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VERDI 
FALSTAFF 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


FALSTAFF 

A  LYRICAL  COMEDY  IN  THREE  ACTS 
BY 

ARRIGO  BOITO 

(English  Version  by  W.  Beatty  Kingston) 
MUSIC  BY 

GIUSEPPE  VERDI 


PRICE  40  CENTS 


G.  RICORDI  &  CO.  Inc. 

12  WEST  45th  STREET 
NEW  YORK 

COPYRIGHT  1893.  by  G.  RICORDI  &  CO. 


_r 


FALSTAFF 

A  LYRICAL  COMEDY  IN  THREE  ACTS 
BY 

ARRIGO  BOITO 

(English  Version  by  W.  Beatty  Kingston) 
MUSIC  BY 

GIUSEPPE  VERDI 


PRICE  40  CENTS 


G.  RICORDI  &  CO.  Inc. 

12  WEST  45th  STREET 
NEW  YORK 

COPYRIGHT   1893.  by  O.   RICORDT  &  CO. 


SYNOPSIS 


SCENE  I  ^^"^   ^• 

Falstaff  is  seen  enjoying  himself  in  his  inn  at  Windsor,  attended  by  Bardolph 
and  Pistol.  He  has  just  written  a  coujile  of  lo/e  letters  to  two  sprightly  gentlewomen 
of  the  town,  Mistress  Ford  and  Mistress  Page.  Neither  of  his  attendants  cares  to  play 
the  part  of  go-between  in  the  affair,  and  a  boy,  Robin,  is  sent  to  bear  the  missives. 
Enter  Dr.  Caius,  who  complains  he  has  been  robbed  by   Bardolph  and   Pistol. 

SCENE  II 

A  garden  of  Ford's  house.  Mrs.  Ford  and  Mrs.  Page  meet  together  with  Dame 
Quickly.  They  compare  notes  and  find  that  Falstaff's  letters  are  i)recisely  in  the  same 
language.  They  decide  upon  some  way  of  revenge  on  the  fat  knight.  Fenton  is  in 
love  with  Anne,  and  they  meet  and  exchange  mutual  vows.  Anne  complains  that  her 
father  wants  her  to  marry  Dr.  Caius,  but  her  mother  promises  she  shall  have  the  man 
of  her  choice.  Bardolph  and  Pistol  come  and  tell  Ford  of  Falstaff's  designs  on  his 
wife  and  Ford  resolves  to  have  his  vengeance  too.  It  is  arranged  that  he  shall  be 
introduced  to  Falstaff  under  a  false  name.  The  women  arrange  that  Dame  Quickly 
shall   go   to   Falstaff   and    make   an   appointment    for    him   to    meet    them   on   the   morrow. 

SCENE  I  ^^'^  ^^' 

Falstaff  is  at  an  inn,  and  Dame  Quickly  comes  with  the  note  making  the  appoint- 
ment between  two  and  three  o'clock  for  that  day.  The  knight  is  overjoyed.  Ford  is 
announced  under  the  name  of  Fountain.  He  pretends  he  has  come  to  ask  Falstaff  to 
aid  him  in  his  hopeless  quest  of  Mrs.  Ford.  Falstaff  agrees  to  help  him  all  the  more, 
as  he  has  an  appointment  with  the  iady  for  that  afternoon,  while  her  husband  is  away. 
This  news  astounds  Ford,  who  believes  that  his  wife  is  deceiving  him  after  all.  He 
raves   with    jealousy,    whilst    Falstaff   goes    to   don    his   best   attire.     They    leave   together. 

SCENE   II 

In  Ford's  hnnse.  The  women  have  nrepared  everything  for  Falstaff's  reception. 
Two  servants  enter,  carrying  a  basket  full  of  dirty  linen.  The  fat  knight  arrives  and 
immediately  begins  making  love  to  Mistress  Ford.  She  alternately  encourages  and 
repulses  him,  until  Dame  Quickly  bustles  in  to  say  that  Ford  is  coming  in  great 
haste.  She  thinks  it  is  only  an  alarm  meant  for  Falstaff,  but  finds  it  is  only  too  true. 
She  conceals  the  knight  behind  the  screen,  as  Ford's  voice  is  heard.  He 
enters  with  Caius,  Bardolph  and  Pistol,  giving  orders  to  search  everywhere  for  the 
scoundrel.  He  himself  examines  the  basket  and  then  rushes  out  frantic.  As  he  does 
this.  Falstaff  runs  from  behind  the  screen  and  squeezes  into  the  basket,  while  Dame 
Quickly  and  ATrs.  Ford  cover  him  with  the  soiled  linen.  Fenton  now  comes  in  with 
Anne,  and  to  be  able  to  talk  quietly  they  hide  behind  the  screen.  Ford  and  the  others 
return  and  continue  looking  for  Falstaff.  Ford  pitches  on  the  screen  as  the"  place  of 
hiding,  and  they  surround  and  overturn  it,  only  to  their  disgust  to  find  the  young 
lovers.  The  men  again  rush  off  looking  for  Falstaff,  who,  half  suffocated,  imnlores  to  be 
released.  Mrs.  Ford  then  calls  the  servants  to  carry  the  basket  away.  They  take  it 
to  the  window,  balance  it  a  moment,  then  throw  it  into  the  river.  A  loud  shout  is 
heard  and  Mrs.  Ford  takes  her  husband  to  the  window  to  show  him  the  fate  of  the 
gallant  knight. 

* 

SCENE  I  ^^"^  ^^^' 

Dame  Quickly  comes  to  the  inn  to  express  to  Sir  John  the  sorrow  of  Mrs.  Ford 
over  the  occurrences  of  the  day  and  to  make  a  new  appointment  with  him  in  Windsor 
Forest  that  night.  The  vain  old  knight  falls  into  the  trap  again.  The  three  other 
women  overhear  the  conversation  and  make  their  plans,  and  Ford  is  taken  into  the 
secret  this  time.  Dame  Quickly  then  hears  Ford  promise  Dr.  Caius  to  let  him  have 
Anne  as  wife,   immediately.      She  runs  and   tells  the  others. 

SCENE  II 

Windsor  Park.  Fenton  and  Anne  arrive  and  pledge  anew  their  vows.  Mrs.  Ford 
then  arrives  and  i)Uts  a  mask  and  cloak  on  Fenton.  Dame  Quickly  is  invested  with  a 
broomstick.  Falstaff  now  comes  on  the  scene  and  meets  Mrs.  Ford.  He  begins  his 
protestations  of  undying  love,  but  they  are  interrupted  by  ISTistress  Page,  who,  rushing 
in,  cries  that  witches  are  coming.  Sir  John  betrays  the  most  abject  fear  and  falls  to 
the  ground,  burying  his  face,  and  the  fairies  enter  led  by  Nan.  Then  Bardolph.  Pistol, 
Ford  and  the  others  fall  upon  Falstaff  and  belabor  him  with  blows,  until  he  cries  for 
mercy;  but  in  the  melee  he  recognizes  Bardolph  and  this  restores  his  courage.  Then 
P'llstaff  owns  up  to  his  errors,  and  Ford  and  he  make  friends.  Bardolph  comes  in  as 
»he  Fairv  Queen,  hand  in  hand  with  Dr.  Caius,  and  Mrs.  Ford  leads  forth  Anne 
rl'sguisf  as  a  nymiih.  and  Fenton  in  his  cloak  and  mask.  Ford  unites  the  two  couples. 
They  then  all  unma?k  to  the  astonishment  of  Dr.  Caius  and  to  the  grief  of  Ford,  who 
fl'vls  he  has  married  his  daughter  to  the  wrong  man.  However,  he  relents  when  he 
finds  that  there  are  other  dupes  besides  himself. 

Ford  embraces  Anne  and  Fenton  and  all  the  characters  and  the  chorus  join  in  the 
finale: 

"Jesting  is  man's   vocation; 

Wise  is  he  who   is'  jolly. 

Ready  to  laugh  inion  slight  provocation, 

Proof   against   dull   melancholy. 

Each   man   makes   fun   of   his  neighbor 

The   merry    world    around: — • 

Solace  for  pain  and  for  labor 

In  gay  laughter   is   found!" 

CURTAIN 


60 


I'  ^  <fF/f^  CHARACTERS 


Sir  JOHN  FALSTAFF Baritone 

FENTON,  a  young  gentleman ,     .  Tenor 

FORD,  a  wealthy  burgher Baritone 

Dr.  CAIXJS,  a  physician Tenor 

BARDOLF     .      1  ,  „  4: 13^  1  *  4¥    •  i      .     •     .     .     .  Tenor 

PISTOL     .     .      [followers  of  Falstaff      ]  _      ^^^^ 

ROBIN,  a  page  in  Ford's  household 

Mistress  FORD Soprano 

ANNE,  her  daughter Soprano 

Mistress  PAGE Mezzo-Soprano 

Dame  QLTICKLY Mezzo-Soprano 


Burghers  and  street-folk,  Ford's  servants,  maskers, 
as  elves,  fairies,  witches,  &c. 


SCENE— Windsor. 
TIME — Reign  of  King  Henby  IV. 


This  comedy  is  derived  from  Shakespeare's  *'  MERRY  WIVES 
OF  WINDSOR,"  and  from  certain  passages  of  "HENRY  IV" 
having  relation  to  the  personality  of  Falstaff. 


ACT  1 


SCENE  1. 


Interior  of  "  The  Garter"  Inn. 


Table,  large  arm-chair  and  bench.  On  the  table  remains  of  a 
morning  meal,  several  bottler:  and  r,  glass  inkstand,  pens, 
paper,  a  lighted  candle.  Broom  leaning  against  the  wall.  Exit 
C,  door  L. 

Falstaff,  seated  at  the  table,  heats  sealing-wax  at  the  candle-flame, 
and  with  a  signet-ring  seals  two  letters;  then  blows  out  light, 
stretches  himself  out  on  his  chair,  and  begins  to  drink  at  iiis 
ease. 


BARDOLPH,  PISTOL  and  Host  in  attendance. 
Enter  Dr.  C AIUS,  L.  ,  exclaiming  angrily  :—- 


Caius     Falstaff  ! 

Falst.     (summons  Host,  taking  no  notice  of  Caius) 
Mine  host! 

Caius     (louder  than  before) 
Sir  John  Falstaff  ! 

Bard.     What  is  it  ails  you  ? 

Caius     You  have  beaten  my  servants... 

Falst.     Hither  another  flask  of  sherry. 

Caius     You  have  ridden  to  death  my  fav'rite  hackney;  my  house 
yoa've  broken  into... 

Falst.     But  spared  your  fair  housekeeper. 

5 


FALSTAFF 

Caius  Thanks  for  nothing;  such  a  blear-eyed  old  creature!  Cor- 
pulent Captain  !  An  you  were  twenty  times  the  doughty 
knight^  John  Falstaff,  I'd  force  you  to  reply  to  me. 

Falst.     Hear,  then,  ray  final  answer:  I've  done  all   you  complain 

of;  such  was  my  pleasure. 

Caitjs    I  will  appeal  to  the  Council  of  State. 

Falst.  Let  well  alone,  sir;  a  laughing-stock  you'll  be  else;  such 
18  my  friendly  counsel. 

Caius  It  shall  not  end  thus! 

Palst.  Away  with  you! 

Caius  Thou  Bardolph! 

Bakd.  Learned  Doctor. 

Caius  Last  night  we  drank  together. 

Bard.  Too  deeply!  Sorely  I've  suffered  all  day.  I  prithee  write 
me  a  prescnption;  my  stomach's  out  of  order.  Ac- 
cursed be  the  rogues  who  drug  their  liquors!  See'st 
thou  this  glowing  meteor?     (pointing  to  his  nose.) 

Caius     I  see  it. 

Bard.     Night  after  night,  thus  ruddy  of  hue  it  reposes! 

Caius     (violently) 

Prescription  for  tlie  gallows!  Thou  mad'st  me  drink, 
thou  villain,  with  him  (pointing  to  Pistol),  old  stories 
telling,  and,  when  my  brains  were  fuddled  quite,  then 
you  both  picked  my  pockets. 

Bard.     Not  I! 

Caius     Who  then  ? 

Falst.     Was't  thou  who  emptied  the  pockets  of  this  worthy  ? 

Caius  Truly,  'twas  he  !  Behold  it,  that  Hnr's  face,  assuming  a 
leer  of  false  denial!     (turning  out  one  of  his  pockets.) 

Herein  were  shillings  twai'' 
Of  good  King  Edward's  reign. 
And  six  mill-groatc  of  silver, 
Ali  which  these  knaves  did  pilferl 


FALSTAFF 


PlST.  Sir  John,  1  crave  your  leave  to  fight  him  with  this  woor'.en 
weapon  !  (brandisliing  the  broom)  (to  Caius)  I 
defy  thee  ! 

Caitjs     Plebeian  !     Insult  a  man  of  breeding  ! 

PisT.     Blockhead  1 

Caius    Vile  beggar  f 

PisT.     Rascal  ! 

Caius    Dog  J 

PiST.     Brute  1 

Caius     Thou  scarecrow  ! 

PiST.     Pick-thank  ! 

Caius     Foul  blossom  of  mandragora  I 

PiST.     Who  ? 

Caius    Thou! 

PiST    Repeat  it  ! 

Caius     Aye  I 

PiST.     Be  off,  then  !  (attacking  Caius) 

Falst.     (checking  Pistol  with  a  gesture) 

What  ho  !  Pistol  !  Bluster  and  brawl  not  lure  !  (to 
Bardolpli)  Good  Bardolph,  who  was't  that  emptied 
the  pockets  of  this  worthy  ? 

Caius.     'Twas  one  or  both  of  them  ? 

Falst.  See  this  toper  (pointing  to  Caius  smilingly),  who,  drinking 
deeply,  stupefies  his  seven  senses,  and  then  tells  us  a 
fable  which,  very  like,  he  dreamt  while  asleep  under 
the  table.  (To  Caius)  Hearken,  and  pray  collect  your- 
self. The  truth  has  now  been  t->ldyou.  Disproved 
your  accusations,  depart — and  drink  no  more  ! 

Caius      Hear  me  ! 

If  I  ever  again  get  drunk  in  strange  society 
'Twill  be  with  honest  people,   pious   and  noted    f«r 
sobriety.  (Exit  L.) 

Bard.,  Pist.     (beating  time  as  they  escort  Caius  to  the  door) 
Amen  ! 

Falst.  Cease  your  antiphonals  ;  ye  drone  them  out  of  tune. 
Virtue  lies  in  this  axiom  :  Steal  ytntly  and  oppor- 
tunely.    Ye  are  but  clumsy  craftsmen. 

Bard.,  Pist.     (as  before) 
Amen  ! 

Falst.  Hush!  (looking  over  Host's  reckoning)  Six  pi  diets  : 
six  shilliiujs.  Thlrt]!  flagons  of  .^'i erri/  :  two  nobles, 
three  good  groats,  (throwing  liin  purse  at  Bardolph) 
What  is  loft  in  my  purse  ?  (reading  the  reckoning)  A 
brace  of  piiaasants.     An  anchovy. 


FALSTAFF 


Bard,      (emptying  thc^    purse   and  counting  its   contents   on  the 
table.) 
Oite  murk,  one  penny. 
Falst.     Riiinmage,  ruiumago  ! 

Baro.     I've  runnuaLred  !     (throws   down  the  purse)     Here's  not 

aiKitin  r  Sliver  ! 
Falst.     VarU't,  thou  art  ray  ruin.     Week  in,  week  out,  I  spend 
a  matter  of  ten  guineas.     Foul  toper  ! 

(Couplets) 
As  from  inn  to  inn  we  wander, 

Nightly  staggering  as  best  we  may, 
Thy  proboscis  yields  a  lurid  light 

Ti.at  serves  to  guide  me  on  my  way. 
But  what  1  save  in  lamp-oil 
I  svaste  on  thee  in  wirne  ; 
For  thirty  long  years  I  have  nourished 

Thiit  purple  spongy  nose  of  thine! 
Thou'rt  too  costly,  (to  Pistol)  And  thou  also,  (to  Host) 
House  there  !  bring  hither  a  flagon. 

(to  Bardolph  and  Pistol) 

On  my  substance  ye  batten  ; 
Should  Falstaff  cease  to  fatten 

No  man  would  fear,  no  woman  love  me; 
For  this  fair  roundness  wins  me  fame  and  success  in  the 
realms  of  Mars  and  Venus. 
PiST.     Falstaff  the  mighty  ! 
Bard.     Stupendous  Falstaff  ! 
Falst.     (contemplating  and  i^haking  his  paunch) 
This  it  my  kingdom  ;  I  will  increase  it. 
PiST.,  Baud. 

Stupendous  Falstaff  ! 
Falst.     But  now  'tis  time  our  wits  to  sharpen. 
Bard.,  Pist. 

And  so  we  will  ! 

Falst.     Say,  do  ye  know  a  Windsor   tradesman  whose  name  is 

Ford? 
Bard.,  Pist. 

Yes,  yes. 
Falst.     A  man  of  influence  and  wealth  is  he... 
Pist.     More  generous  than  Croesus. 
Bard.     A  Prince  ! 
Falst.     A  handsome  wife  hath  he. 
Fist.     Who  keeps  the  strong-box  key. 
Falst.     'Tis  she,  'tis  she  ! 

Oh  !  love  with  starlike  eyes  and  swanlike  throat, 
And  lips  like  flow'rs,  like  scarlet  laughing  flow'rs  ! 


FALSTAFF 

Her  name  is  Alice      One  morning,  as  I  passed  by 

beneath  her  open  window, 
She  smiled.     Love's  ardour  kindled  in  my  heart, 

Tiie  goddess  from  her  eye  discharged  a  burning  dart 
At  me,  at  me  !  at  this  vast  bosom  of  huge  calibre,  this 
well-turned  leg  and    comely  figure,  stalwart,   capa- 
cious !     And  her  desire  revealed  itself  so  plainly  in 
her  glances — they  seemed  to  say,  /  love  thee^   Sir 
John  Falstaff. 
Bard.     Just  so  ! 
Falst.     Another  there  is,  too. 
Bard.,  Pjst. 

Another  ! 
Falst.     And  Margeiy  is  her  sweet  name. 
PiST.     They  call  her  Meg. 
Falst.     She  also  by  my  charms  is  subjugated,  and  she,  too,  has 

the  keeping  of  the  stroug-box. 
Bard.,  Pist. 

Of  the  strong-box  ! 
Falst.  These  beauties  shall  stand  me  in  good 

stead  as  my  Golconda  and  my  Gold  Coast. 
Behold  me  !  I  still  may  claim  to  be 

a  pleasant  summer  of  Saint  Martin  ? 
Two  fervid  letters  ye  shall  carry. 

(giving  one  to  Bardolph) 

Convey  thou  this  to  Meg  ;  her  virtue  let  us  test.     With 

zeal,  I  see,  thy  nose  burns  like  a  beacon,     (to  Pistol, 

giving  the  other  letter)     And  thou,  carry  this  to  fair 

Aliie. 

Pist.     Shall  I  by  my  side  wear  steel,  and  play  the  part  of  Pan- 

darus?     No,  no  ! 
Falst.     Paltry  rascal  !     (with  calm  contempt) 
Bard,     (throwing  down  the  letter) 

Sir  John,  in  this  intrigue  to   aid  you  Pm  forbidden,  and 
strictly. 
Falst.     By  whom  ? 
Bard.     My  honour  ! 

Falst.     Ho  1  p,ige-boy.     (To  Bardolph  and  Pistol.)     Be  off  and 
hang   yourselves — but  not  on  me  !     (To  page)     The 
letters  — take    them — for    two    fair    ladies.       Convey 
them  quickly  ;  hurry,  fly,  hasten,  go  briskly,  go,  go, 
go  !     (To  Bardolph  and  Pistol)     Your  honour  ! — 
Ruffians  !  ye  dare  to  prate  about  your  honour.     Ye  ! 
Ye  smks  of  sin  and  vileness;  when  'tis  not  always  we 
Can  keep  our  own  untainted  !     E'en  I,  Sirs,  yes,  I,  I, 
Must  now  and  then  petition  Heaven  to  close  an  eye. 
And  am  myself  constrained  to  pawn  my  honour;  to  hamper 
My  discourse  with  lies  and  stratagems;  with  the  truth 
to  tamper. 


FALSTAFF 

And  ye, with  ragged  doublets,  vile  grins  and  foul  grimaces, 

Like  filthy  pole-cats  ;  your  vices  plainly  stamped  upon 
your  dirty  faces  ; 

Of  honour  boast!  Of  honour!  What  honour?  What  humbug! 
What  rubbish  !  say,  can  honour  fill  a  paunch  that  is 
empty  ?  No  !  Can  it  mend  a  leg  or  an  arm  that  is 
broken  ?  No  !  A  finger  ?  No  !  A  thumbnail  ?  No  !  Nor 
a  feather?  No  ! 

For  honour's  not  a  surgeon.  What  is  it?  A  mere  ex- 
pression. Of  what  is  honour  compounded  ?  Of  invisible 
ether.  Giand  invention  I  Hath  he  it,  he  who  died  o' 
Thursday?  No!  Lives  it  with  the  living?  Neither; 
because  alas  !    human  vanity  corrupts  it,  human  pride 

•  undermines  it,  and  calumny  destroys  it.     As  for  me,  I 
will  none  on't,  no  !  But  to  return  to  you,  ye  scoundrels, 
too  oft  forgiven — I  now  dismiss  ye  !    (seizes  the  broom 
and  furiously  drives  them  out). 
Begone,  swiftly,  briskly,  hurry-scurry  ! 
From  the  halter  'tis  time  you  should  swing  ! 
Vanish  swiftly,  hurry-scurry  !  Brigands  ! 
Bandits  !  Robbers  !  Rascals  !  hie  away  ! 

(Exeunt  Bardolph  and  Pistol  L.,  followed  by  Falstaff) 


''Imd  of  Scene  i 


FALSTAFF 

SCENE  11. 

A  Garden. 
Ford's  house  L.  Trees. 

Alice,  Anne,  Meg,  Dame  Quickly,  IVIr.  Ford,  Fenton, 
I)r.  Caius,  Bardolph,  Pistol. 

C.  Enter  Mistress  Page  and  Dame  Quickly  R.  crossino  towards 
Fordh  house,  on  tht  threshold  of  which  they  nietit  Mistress 
Ford  and  Anne,  just  coining  out. 

Mrs.  Page     Alice. 

Mrs.  Ford    Meg. 

Mrs.  Page     Nannie. 

Mrs.  Ford     (to  Mrs.  Page) 

I  fain  would  walk  and  talk,  and  laugh  and  jest  with  thee, 
(to  Dame  Quickly)  Good  day,  kind  gossip. 

Quick.      Heav'n    give   ye  both   good  (  lieer  !    (stroking   Anne's 
cheeks)  Sweet,  blushing  rose-bud  ! 

Mrs.  Ford  (to  Mrs.  Page)  Thou  comest  aptly.  Something 
surprising  has  just  happened  to  me. 

Mrs.  Page    And  to  me. 

Quick.     What  ? 

Anne     What  is  it  ? 

Mrs.  Ford     Tell  us  your  story. 

Mrs.  Page     Tell  us  yours. 

Anne     Tell  us,  pray  tell  us  ! 

Quick.     Tell  us,  tell  us. 

Mrs.  Ford     But  promise  it  shall  no  further  go  ! 

Mrs.  Page     Of  coiiise  not  ! 

Quick.     Why,  no — of  course  not  ! 

Mrs.  Ford  Hear,  then.  Could  I  be  persuaded  to  yield  to  vile 
temptations  of  the  Evil  One,  I  might  be  advanced 
to  the  station  of — a  Knight's  gay  Lady  I 

Mrs.  Page    And  I  too.. 


FALSTAFF 

Mrs.  Ford     Nonsense  ! 

Mrs.  Page     (searching  her  pocket  for  a  letter) 

No  more,  I  pray  you.     We  may  not  waste  all  the  morn- 
ing in  chatter!     (Brings  out  the  letter)  I've  a  letter. 

^Frs.  Ford     I  also  (gives  letter  to  Mrs.  Page).  Read  it. 
Mrs.  Page     (gives  her  letter  to  Mrs.  Ford) 

Read  it.     (reads  Mrs.  Ford's  letter)     Resplendent  Alice! 
my  love  I  tender...     How  is  this  ?    What  does  he  say? 
Barring  the  name,  the  words  are  the  same  ! 
Mrs.  Ford     (reading  Mrs.  Page's  let  er) 

ftesplendeat  Me(j  !   my  love  I  tender... 
Mrs.  Page     Love  I  long  for  (continuing  to  read) 
Mrs.  Ford     Here  Meg,  there  Alice. 

Mrs.  Page     One  and  the  same.       (read^  from  letter)     Ah!    do 
not  axk  me  why,  but  say,  I... 
*  Mrs.  Ford     (continuing  from  the  other  letter) 

love  thee!  Why  thus  insulted  am  I? 
Mrs.  Page     The  thing  is  strangely  perplexing. 
Quick.     Let's  read  it  calmly  ! 
Mrs.  Page     The  selfsame  verses. 
Mrs,  Ford     The  selfsame  paper. 
Quick.     The  same  hand-writing. 
Anne     The  same  escutcheon. 
Mrs.  Page  and  Mrs.  Ford     (read  together) 

ThoiCrt  a  gay  nurry  gossip,  Pni  brisk  and  supple, 
iSo  we  two  rightly  are  meant  to  make  a  couple.  Aye! 
Anne     He,  she,  thee. 
Quick.     A  pair  in  three  ! 
Mrs.  Ford     (reading  as  before) 

Z,et  us  be  coupled  in  Cupid'' s  roseate  fetters, 
A  lovely  woman,  a  mail  who  has  few  betters! 
And  thy  bright  visage  on  me  shall  shed  its  light 
Like  some  s>oeet  star  that  sparkles  all  the  flight. 

(all  laugh) 

Reply  to  your  esquire, 

John  Falstaff,  Knight  of  the  Shire, 
All    Monster  ! 

Mrs.  Ford  He  must  be  punished  ! 

Anne  And  that  severely. 

Mrs.  Ford  Right  merrily  we'll  fool  him  ! 

Anne  I'd  like  to,  dearly  ! 

Mrs.  Page  We  will  spite  him  ! 

Quick.  '       And  affright  him  ! 


FALSTAFF 


MRS.  FORD 


MRS.  PAGE 


Though  shaped  like  a  barrel 

He  fain  would  be  courting, 
His  carcase  disporting 

In  splendid  apparel. 
In  spite  of  the  grease 

From  his  fat  hide  that  oozes, 
To  leave  us  in  peace 

He  perversely  refuses. 
He  cannot  escape 

From  the  pitfall  we'll  set  him. 
Nor  out  of  the  scrape 

Into  which  we  will  get  him; 
For  if  I  entice  him, 

Thit  hogshead  of  fat, 
I'll  handsomely  trice  him; 

Pray  trust  me  for  that  ! 


That  bird  of  ill-omen 

Not  long  here  shall  tarry 
Away  he  must  carry 

His  ugly  abdomen. 
With  smile  and  with  wile 

And  with  subtle  delusion 
The  wretch  we'll  beguile 

To  his  utter  confusion. 
His  hopes  we  must  flatter. 

Encourage  his  wooing, 
Then  utterly  shatter 

And  work  his  undoing. 
When  we  lay  the  lash  on 

He'll  roar  like  a  bull. 
And  then  liis  hot  passion 

Will  speedily  cool. 


ANNE 


DAME  QUICKLY 


Your  debt  you  must  pay  him 

A  trick  we  must  play  him 
Deceive  and  betray  him 

Per])lex  and  effray  him. 
The  trap  we  prepare 

Will  be  cunning  baited. 
Once  caught  in  our  snare 

He  will  find  himself  mated! 
The  jest  must  succeed 

As  we're  all  of  us  in  it; 
I'm  longing,  indeed. 

Straight  away  to  begin  it. 
Our  nets  shall  involve  him 

And  then  'twill  go  hard 
But  we  will  dissolve  him. 

That  bladder  of  lard! 


A  mountain  of  batter! 

No  hog  could  be  fatter 
Your  hand  should  he  take  it. 

To  pieces  he'd  break  it. 
In  vain  the  dull  booby 

To  woo  may  endeavour. 
For  such  a  fat  looby 

You're  vastly  too  clever. 
Your  eyes  and  lips  scatter 

Whole  flights  of  keen  arrows 
Your  tongues  make  more  clatter 

Than  legions  of  sparrows. 
Life  half  of  its  pleasure 

From  laughter  derives, 
So  laugh  without  measure 

Like  true  Merry  Wives  ! 


(all  together) 
The  barrel  !    The  hogshead  !    The  hogshead  !    The  barrel  ! 


(Exeunt  Mrs.  Ford,  Mrs.  Page,  Anne  and  Dame  Quickly,  I^.,  reappearing 
among  the  trees  at  back  of  stage,  but  unnoticed  by   men). 


FALSTAFF 


Enter   Ford,   Caius,   Fcnton,   Bardolph   and 
Pistol,  R.,  and  form  group  in  front  of  stage 

(all  four  speaking  to  Ford) 


FENTON 


DR.  CAIUS 


There  is  naught  that  would  delight  me 

More  than  bringing  him  to  reason 
By  a  few  sharp  "words  in  season" 

Or  by  forcing  him  to  fight  me. 
T'were  an  exploit  anatomical 

To  reduce  his  corporation 
By  judicious  perforation; — 

The  result  would,  sure,  be  comical  ! 
Good  advice  I'll  offer  to  him 

When  I  meet  him  face  to  face  ; 
And  I'll  drive  my  dagger  through  him, 

If  he  fail  to  keep  his  place  ! 


He's  a  living  shame  and  scandal 

He's  a  Pagan,  Turk  and  Vandal, 
'Tother  day  he  broke  my  door  down. 

Knocked  my  servants  on  the  floor  down. 
While  he  haunts  this  globe  supernal 

'Twere  in  vain  to  try  to  mend  him. 
So  the  best  thing  is  to  send  him 

Once  for  all  to  realms  infernal. 
And  his  two  degraded  satraj)s. 

Who  their  chief  would  fain  betray. 
Are  a  brace  of  greedy  rat-traps, 

Ever  gaping  for  their  j)rey  ! 


BARDOLPH 


PISTOL 


My  corrupt  and  bloated  master 

(Fate  through  me  your  night  i.luminates) 
Fat  Jack  Falstaff  surely  ruminates 

Projects  big  with  dread  disaster 
I'm  a  soldier,  and  this  tumour 

Shall  not  tempt  me  to  cbriety, 
Nor  to  cloak  his  impropriety 

Which  agrees  not  with  my  humour  ! 
Master  Ford,  my  timely  warning 

Lay  to  heart  without  delay. 
Shape  your  plans  this  very  morning 

Take  your  measures,,  while  you  may  ! 


Falstaff  means  to  use  you  vilely, 

This  I  tell  you  in  pure  amity; 
If  you  prove  not  bold  and  wily 

You  will  scarce  avert  calamity. 
Master  Ford,  I  once  was  renitent, 

Falstaff  wrought   my   degradation; 
Now  I'm  humble,  meek  and  penitent. 

Striving  to  deserve  salvation  ! 
As  you  know  the  truth  completely, 

Ev'ry  wise  precaution  take, 
Use  your  eyes  and  ears  discreetly, 

'Tis  your  honour  that's  at  stake! 


FORD 

(breaks  from  the  group.    Aside). 

In  my  ears  foul  fiends  are  muttering 

Fi.ncies  fraught  with  fear  and  wonder 
O'er  my  head  dark  clouds  are  spluttering 

Lightning  flashes,  growls  of  thunder. 
Horrid  thoughts,  my  reason  shattering. 

Give  my  fears  no  intermission. 
And  the  tales  these  rogues  are  shattering, 

Drive  me  mad  with  grim  suspicion, 
Of  these  four  I  know  not  whether 

This  or  that  one  I  should  heed; 
If  they'd  not  all  speak  together 

I  should  hold  them  friends  indeed! 


FALSTAFF 

Ford     (to  Pistol) 

Say  on,  friend! 
PisT.  (to  Ford)  To  speak  plainly, 

Sir  John!  that  imp  ungainly, 

Would,  like  a  roaring  billow, 
Engulf  your  hoarded  treasure 

To  serve  his  carnal  pleasure 
And — eke  usurp  your  pillow! 

Caius     G-eat  Heaven  I 

Ford  Pm  abused! 

Bard.  He  has  sent  her  a  letter 

PisT.     (interrupting)     Of  which  to  be  the  bearer 

I  refused! 
Bard.     I  refused! 
PisT.     Beware,  Beware! 
Bard.     Beware! 
PisT.     He  ogles  all  the  women,  good  looking  or  uncomely,  rioe 

mati'ons  or  young  maidens. 
Bard.     See,  the  tynes  that  adorn  Acteon's  hairy  forehead,  from 

yours  sprouting! 
Ford     What  do  you  mean  by  that? 

Bard.     The  Antlers!  (under  his  breatbi 

Ford     Horrible  word! 

Caius     A  vast  appetite  has  this  wicked  old  Knight. 
Ford     My  wife  Pll  keep  my  eye  on;  her  gallant  I'll  look  aiier; 

(enter  the  four  women,  ^i1 

I'll  have  no  courtier  fine 
Lay  hand  on  what  is  mine! 
Anne     (seeing  Fenton) 

'Tis  he! 
Fent.     (seeing  Anne) 

'Tis  she! 
Mrs.  Ford     (seeing  Ford) 
'Tis  he! 
Ford     (seeing  Mrs.  Ford) 

'Tis  she! 
Caius     (pointing  at  Mrs.  Ford) 

'Tis  she! 
Mrs.  Page     (pointing  at  Ford) 

'Tis  he! 
Mrs.  Ford     (pointing  to  Ford) 

If  he  should  know  it! 
Annb     Nonsense! 

Mrs.  Ford     Let's  keep  out  of  his  way  ! 
Mrs.  Page     Ford  then  is  jealous? 


FALSTAFF 


Mrs.  Ford     Yes,  rather!     (Exeunt    Ford,  Caius,    Bardolpli    and 

Pistol,  R.  Fenton  remains.) 
Quick!  Silence! 

Mes.  Ford     Away,  away!     (Exeunt  Mrs.  Page,  Mrs.  Ford, Dame 
Quickly  L.     Anne  remains) 

Fent.  Ss!  Ss!  My  Nannie,  hither! 

Annb  Silence!     What  is't? 

Fent.  Two  kisses! 

Anne  But  quickly! 

Fent.  Yes,  quickly! 

(Duet) 

Anne  Lips  by  commotion 

Fent.  Kissing  with  passion 

Anne  Teach  the  sweet  fashion 

Of  love's  emotion 

Fent.  *        Lips  that  are  posies 

Precious  pearls  hiding, 
Tempting  and  chiding 

Thefts  of  their  roses. 
Kissing's  a  duty 

Audacious  creature  ! 


(trying  to  kiss  her) 
(keeping  him  off) 


Anne 

Fent.  Thine  ev'ry  feature 

Is  rife  with  beauty, 
(ree.)  Kiss  me! 
Anne  (ree.)  Imprudent,  no  ! 
Fent.  (ree.)  Yes,  two  kisses! 
Anne  (ree.)  Leave  me! 
Fent.  (ree.)  Ah!  how  I  love  thee! 

Anne,  (ree.)  They're  coming!         (They  separate;    Fenton    hides 
among  trees.) 

Fent.     (can  tando)     Kissing  is  fraught  vyith  an  exquisite  i^leasure! 

Anne     (cantando)         Bliss    never   palling,    and    sweet    beyond 
measure! 

(Enter  Mrs.  Foni,  Mrs.  Page  and  Dame  Quickly;   Anne  remains  up  stage.) 


(disengaging  herself) 


^ 


1^ 


FALSTAFF 


Mrs.  Ford    FalstaflF  would  fain  befool  me. 

Mrs.  Page     Heavily  he  shall  rue  it! 

Mrs.  Ford     Say,  shall  I  write  a  letter? 

Anne     A  messenger  were  better.  (joining  them) 

All.     Yes! 

Mrs.  Ford  (to  Dame  quickly) 

Seek  thou  the  ruffian  at  his  inn,  and  offer  to  arrange  a 
private  appointment  with  me. 
Quick.     Excellent  notion! 
Anne     Cunning  contrivance! 

Mrs.  Fore    Thus  and  thus  only,  to  our  snare  we  may  entice  him. 
Anne     And  then... 

Mrs.  Ford     And  then  a  pretty  trick  we'll  play  him! 
Quick.     Without  the  least  compunction. 
Anne     The  monster! 
Mrs.  Page     'J'he  impudent  old  rascal! 
Mrs.  Ford     The  mountain  of  tallow! 
Mrs.  Page     He  merits  no  compassion — 

Mrs.  Ford     He's  a  glutton  who  squanders  all  that    he    has  in 
gorging. 

Anne     We'll  souse  him  in  the  river. 

Mrs.  Ford     We'll  roast  him  at  a  fire. 

All    Delightful,  enchanting! 

Mrs.  Page     We  count  on  you  to  play  your  part  full  featly.     (to 

Dame  quickly.) 
Quick     (catching  sight  of  Ft-nton,  who  is  m-oving  about  among 

trees,  C.) 

A  footstep! 
Mrs.  Page     There's  some  one  on  us  spying! 

(Exeunt  hurriedly  K.  Mrs.  Ford,  Mrs.  Page,  Anne  and  Dame  Quickly.) 

Fent.     (approaching  Anne) 

Once  more  I  challenge. 
Anne     (keeping  him  oft) 

Once  more  I  defy  thee! 
Attack  then! 
Fent.      (trying  to  kiss  her)     Parry! 

Anne     (covering  her  face  with  one  hand,  which  Fenton  kisses) 
Too  high  you're  aiming! 
'Tis  thus,  in  Love's  soft  duel 
That  strength  is  gentle  and  merciful, 
Weakness,  more  cruel! 


FALSTAFF 

Fent.  Love  is  an  archer  who  never  misses. 

Anne.  Lips  are  his  bowstrings, 

Fent.  His  shafts  are  kisses. 

Guard  thee,  sweet  raaid,  'gainst  my  fond  caresses  ; 

Thus  wildly  lavished  on  thy  fair  tresses. 

(he  kisses  a  lock  of  her  hair.) 

Anne  (coiling  the  tress  round  his  neck) 

Thou  art  my  captive  ! 
Fent.      Quarter  I  plead  for  ! 

Anne      I,  too,  am  wounded  ;  but  thou  art  vanquished  ! 
Fent.      For  peace  I  sue  !  A  truce  let  unsettle,  Mid  then... 
Anne      And  then  ? 
Fent.      Resume  our  gentle  warfare  ! 
Anne      Happy  the  combat  that  injures  no  one  !  Vanish  ! 
Fent.      My  beloved  ! 

Anne      They're  coming  !  Farewell  !  (runs  off,  R.) 

Fent.      (retreating  up  stage  C) 

Kissing  is  fraught  with  an  exquisite  pleasure  ! 
Anne      (from  within,  R.) 

Bliss  never  palling y  and  sweet  heyond  measure  ! 

(Enter  C,  Ford,  Caius,  Bardolph  and  Pistol.    Fenton  presently  join»  the 
group.) 

^^ 

Babd.     (to  Ford) 

To  his  longwinded  speeches  I've  often  been  a  martyr. 
Ford       You  said  that  he  was  lodging...  where  then? 
Pist.  In 

Windsor,  at  the  Garter. 
Fobd.  Go  ask  him  to  receive  me, 

Call  me  by  another  name  ; 
Yourself  shall  watch  the  game, 

I'll  make  it  worth  your  while,  believe  me  [ 

You'll  keep  my  secret  closely. 
Baed.      The  grave  is  not  more  silent.  I  am  Bardolph  the  Faithful 
Pist.        I  am  Pistol  the  Trusty  ! 
Ford.      We're  agreed,  then  — 
Bard.      Our  honour  is  deeply  pledged. 
Pist.        I'm  deaf  and  speechless. 
Ford.      We  all  are  well  agreed.  Hands  upon  it  I 
Bard,  and  Pist. 

Yes! 


FALSTAFF 


ENSEMBLE— FINALE 
(Re-enter  Mrs.  Ford,  Mrs.  Page,  Anne  and  Dame  Quickly  up  stage  C.) 


FENTON 
Here,  a  group  of  angry  prattlers 

Some  dark  deed  they  are  devising; 
There,  a  knot  of  female  tattlers 

Plotting  vengeance  deep   and  dire. 
Thou,  dear  maid,  my  heart's  desire. 

All  my  fond  hopes  realising. 
Spite  of  all  I'll  win  thee  for  my  wife, 

To  share  my  love  and  life! 

BARDOLPH 

Master  Ford,  your  wife's  in  danger 

And  your  conjugal  felicity. 
If  you  look  not  well  about  you 

Fat  Sir  John  will  trick  you  still! 
That  enormous  alcove-ranger 

Full  of  liquor  and  lubricity 
Will  delude  you,  aye,  and  flout  you 

And  will  have  his  wicked  will  ! 


DR.  CAIUS 

My  advice  unless  you  follow 

You'll  be  in  a  sad  predicament; 
You  must  put  him  to  the  question 

With  persistence  and  with  craft. 
Thus  it  happens  when  you  swallow 

Some  unsavoury  medicament, 
'Tis  a  cure  for  indigestion 

Lurks  within  that  bitter  draught. 

PISTOL 

You  must  soak  his  skin  in  sherry. 

And  with  bumpers  ply  him  steadily. 
For  when  once  with  wine  he's  merry 

He'll  disclose  his  projects  readily. 
As  the  willow  to  the  river 

So  to  sack  doth  he  incline, 
And  his  secrets  he'll  deliver 

When  he's  saturate  with  wine. 


FORD  (to  Bardolph) 
Thou  shalt  see  with  what  congruity 

I  will  tempt  him  to  his  ruin; 
And  what  subtle  ingenuity 

I'll  display  in  his  undoing. 
There  shall  be  no  stinted  measure 

In  the  vengeance  that  I  take; — 
I  shall  know  nor  peace  nor  pleasure 

Till  I've  scotched  this  bloated  snake. 


MRS.  FORD 

Though  shaped  like  a  barrel 

He  fain  would  be  courting, 
His  carcase  disporting 

In  splendid  apparel. 
But  if  I  entice  him. 

That  hogshead  of  fat, 
I'll  handsomely  trice  him. 

Pray  trust  me  for  that! 

MRS.  PAGE 

With  smile  and  with  wile 

And  with  subtle  delusion 
The  wretch  we'll  beguile 

To  his  utter  confusion. 
When  we  lay  the  lash  on 

He'll  roar  like  a  bull, 
And  then  his  hot  passion 

Will  speedily  cool. 


ANNE 

Your  debt  you  must  pay  him, 

A  trick  we  must  play  him. 
Deceive  and  betray  him 

Perplex  and  betray  him. 
Our  nets  shall  involve  him. 

And  then  'twill  go  hard 
But  we  will  dissolve  him — . 

That  blatter  of  lard  ! 

DAME  QUICKLY 

Your  eyes  and  lips  scatter 

Whole  flights  of  keen  arrows, 
Your  tongues  make  more  chatter 

Than  legions  of  sparrows. 
Life  half  of  its  pleasure 

From  laughter  derives 
So  laugh  without  measure. 

Like  true  Merry  Wives  ! 


(Exeunt  Fenton,  Ford,  Caius,  Bardolph  and  Pistol). 


FALSTAFF 

Mrs.  Foed  (to  Dame  Quickly) 

You'd  better  be  going. 

AifNK  "Waste  no  time  in  talking. 

Mbs.  Fokd  I'd  have  him  moll-rowing 

Like  a  love-sick  grimalkin. 

All  'Tis  settled — to-morrow — good  day  ! 

Mbs.  Fobd  (keeping  back  the  others) 
It  may  be  foreboded 

That  he  will  be  stulfed  up, 
Then  puffed  up, 

And  then  exploded  ! 

(quoting  Falstaff'B  verees) 

But  my  bright  visage  on  him  shall  shed  its  light 

(Together) 

Like  sotne  sweet  star  that  sparkles  all  the  night  / 

(Exeant,  langhiof^. 


Ejsd  of  Act  1. 


ACT  II. 


SCENE  I. 

Room  in  the   Garteb  Ink. 

As  in  Act  I,  Scene  I. 

FALSTAFF  «5  before^  stretched  out  tn  an  armchair,  drinking 
sack.  BARDÒLPH  and  PISTOL  at  back  of  stage,  near 
entrance  L. 


Bard,  aiid  Pist.     (together,  beating  their  breasts  penitently) 
We  implore  you  to  forgive  us  ! 

Falst.     (indifferently) 

Rascals  hark  back  to  vice,  like  cats  to  the  cream-jug. 

BIkd.  and  Pist. 

We  are  once  more  your  humble  servants  ! 

Babd.     (to  Falstaff) 

Sir  Knight,  here  is  an  aged  dame  who  fain  would  have 

access  to  your  worshiptul  presence. 
Falst.     Admit  her  !  (exit  and  re-enters,  conducting   Dame 

Quickly) 
Quick,     (courtseymg  deeply  to  F.  who  remams  seated) 

Sir,  fair  greeting  ! 
Falst.     God  save  you,  worthy  woman  ! 
Quick.     Sir,  fair  greeting  !     (approaches  him  respectfully)    If  it 

should  please  your  worship  to  give  me  private  hearing, 

something  I  have  to  tell  you. 
Falst.     I  grant  thee  audience.    (To  Bardolph  and  Pistol,  who  go 

out  making  grimaces)   Retire  ! 
Quictk.     (court seys  again,  approaching  still  nearer) 

Sir,  fair   greeting  !    (hesitating)    I  come  from  Mistress 

Ford... 
Falst.     Well  ?        (rising  and  hastily  approaching  Dame  Quickly) 


FALSTAFF 


Quick.     Alas,  unhappy  lady!     You're  a  wicked  seducer! 

Falst,     I  am!     Continue. 

Quick.  Her  mind  is  bewildered  and  distracted  by  love  of  you. 
She  bids  rae  say  that  your  letter  reached  her;  she 
thanks  you  for  it;  and  her  husband  is  absent  from  home 
daily,  from  two  until  three. 

Falst.     From  two  until  three! 

Quick.  At  that  hour  your  noble  "Worship  may  seek  her*  in  her 
dwelling  without  the  slightest  danger  of  interruption. 
Unhappy  lady!  Her  griefs  and  troubles  are  distressing, 
for  her  husband  is  jealous. 

Falst.  From  two  until  three...  Say  that  I  the  hour  await  with 
lovmg  impatience,  and  that  her  tryst  I'll  surely  keep. 

Quick.  Ill  tell  her.  I've  another  commission  for  your  Wor- 
ship,». 

Falst.     Impart  it! 

Quick.  Fair  Mistress  Page  (an  angel  of  gracCj  whom  to  see  is  to 
worship);  she  also  bids  me  bring  yon  loving  and  tender 
greeting.  Sad  'tis  to  say,  her  watchful  spouse  from 
home  is  seldom  absent!  Unhappy  iady^  A  snow- 
white  lily  of  candour  and  truth!  How  is't  you  thus 
bewitch  them  ? 

Falst.  No  witchcraft  I  employ.  The  only  charms  1  exercise 
are  my  own.  Tell  me:  has  each  one  kept  her  own 
secret  ? 

Quick.     Surely!  We  women  keep  our  counsei.     Fear  no  prating. 

Falst.     (feeling  in  his  purse) 

Service  merits  just  reward. 

Quick.     Who  soweth  brave  bounty  shall  harvest  love  ! 

Falst.     (Giving  money  to  Dame  Q.) 

Glean  then,  thou  female  Mercury!  (dismissing  her  by  a 
wave  of  the  hand.)  Be  sure  thou  greet  my  charmers! 


Quick.     Your  servant! 


(Exit  L.) 


.vg-i..rlA 


Falst.         She's  mine,  she's  mine!  Go  thy  way,  Jack 
Falstaff,  go  thy  way. 


FALSTAFF 

This  battered  hulk  of  thine,  'spite  wind  and  weather. 

Still  yields  some  joy  to  thee, 
-    For  all  the  women,  old  and  young  together. 

Are  mad  with  love  for  me! 
Good  body  mine,  the  which  I  amply  nourish, 
Long  may'st  thou  flourish  ! 

Babd.     (Enter  L.) 

Sir  Knight,  here  is  a  certain  Master  Brook  who  greatly 
covets  your  discourse.  A  demijohn  of  Cyprus  doth  he 
proffer,  wherewith  to  wet  Your  Worship's  whistle. 

Falst.     Said'st  thou  Brook  was  his  name  ? 

Bard.     Aye! 

Falst.     Welcome  be  that  brook  which  ever  floweth 
With  grape-juice,  wheresoe'er  it  goeth! 
Hither  (exit  Bardolph).     Go  thy  way.  Jack  Falstaff,  go 
thy  way! 

(Enter  Ford  in  disguise,  preceded  by  Bardolph,  bowing,  and  followed  by  Pistol,  carrying  a 
runlet  of  wine.    Pistol  and  Bardolph  retire  up  tstage.    Ford  is  carrying  a  bag  of  money.) 

Ford  Sir  Knight  (approaches  Falstaff,  bowing  profoundly), 
Heaven's  grace  be  with  you! 

Falst.     (Returning  his  salute.) 

With  you,  worthy  sir,  no  less  so. 

Ford  For  what  may  appear  an  indiscretion,  I  must  crave  your 
forgiveness,  if  thus  unceremoniously  I  venture  to  ap- 
proach you  without  letters  of  credence. 

Falst.     Be  sure  that  you  are  welcome  ! 

Ford       In  rae  you  see  a  man  who  is  full  well  provided 
With  store  of  earthly  treasure; 
A  man  who  spends  his  wealth  by  whim  and  fancy  guided 
To  gratify  his  pleasure. 

Master  Brook  is  my  name. 
Falst.     (Cordially  pressing  his  hand.) 

Excellent  Master  Brook,  I  desire  to  make  your  intimate 
acquaintance. 
Ford     Gallant  Sir  John!    In  confidence  a  favour  I  would  ask  you. 

Bard.     (To  Pistol  under  his  breath.) 

Attention  ! 

PiST.     (To  Bardolph  similarly.) 

Silence! 
Bard.     Listen!     I'll  wager  that  he  will  tumble  into  the  pitfall. 
PisT.     Ford  will  inveigle  him. 

Together. 

Silence! 


FALSTAFF 

Falst.     What  do  ye  here  ?  (exeunt  Bardolf  and  Pistol)     I  listen 

(to  Ford). 

FoED  Sir  John,  let  me  remind  you  of  a  popular  proverb,  old  as 
Time:  "Of  bright  gold  is  the  key  that  opes  ev'ry 
portal."  For  gold's  a  mighty  talisman,  a  spell  to  which 
the  proudest  yield. 

Falst.     Gold  is  a  masterful  warrior  well  used  to  conquest... 

FoED     (approaching  the  table) 

Well,  well,  sir;  this  bag  of  coin  I  carry  too  heavy  is  for 
me.  Sir  John,  your  kind  assistance  lend,  its  weight  to 
diminish. 

Falst.  I'll  not  refuse  (taking  the  bag  and  placing  it  on  the  table). 
But  tell  tne  why  and  how  I  have  deserved  this  bounty... 

FoED    Hearken,  I  pray. 

In  Windsor  lives  a  lady;  fair  is  she!  ripe  and  mellow; 
Her  name  is  Alice;  her  husband,  a  certain  Ford... 

Falst.  Poor  fellow. 

FoED  I  love  her,  she  cares  not  for  me;  I  write  to  her,  she  does 
not  answer;  I  gaze  on  her,  she  will  not  look  at  me;  I 
seek  her  and  she  conceals  herself.  On  her  I've 
squandered  treasures,  rich  gifts  on  her  I've  lavished;  a 
thousand  plans  I  have  concocted  to  gain  her  gracious 
favour.  Alas!  all  was  in  vain.  I  still  await  Love's 
guerdon;  and  this  is  of  my  sad  ditty  the  melancholy 
burden. 

Falst.     (gaily  singing.) 

This  love,  this  love  is  evfrj  man's  undoing. 
While  he  has  breath  and  being ^ 

FoED  ^Tis  like  a  shadow,  him  who  flees  pursuing, 

Falst.  And  whom  pursues  it,  fleeing. 

This  love  !     This  love  ! 
FoED  Thus  runs  the  dismal  ditty 

Tve  dearly  paid  to  learn ^ 

Falst.        And  such  the  fate  of  wooers 

Whose  love  finds  n  o  return  ! 

FoBD  This  love,  this  love  is  evWy  mail's  undoing. 

Falst.     (interrupting) 

She  holds  out  no  hope  or  prospect  of  yielding  ? 

FoED    No! 

Falst.     And  why  do  you  apply  to  me  ? 

FoED     I'll  tell  you  now: — 

You  are  a  man  of  breeding,  prowess,  discretion,  invention, 
A  man  of  mighty  mettle  and  courtly  apprehension.' 


FALSTAPP 


Falst.     (deprecatìngly)     Oh  ! 

Ford     'Tis  so,  truly  ;  and  here   is  good   red  gold  in   plenty  :  at 
your  pleasure 
Dispose   of  it,  aye,   and  scatter  it   freely,  without  stint 

or  measure. 
A.11  my  wealth  you  shall  squander  ; 
All  that  I  ask  you  is  to  subdue  that  fair  one  yonder  ! 
Falst.     A  strange  request  ! 
FoKD  Pray  hear  me  : — that  cold  divinity. 

Till  now  has  ever  lived  in  great  repute  of  chastity. 
Her  virtuous  austerities  persistently  defy  me, 
Her  haughty,  scornful  glances  seem  to  say.  Dare  to  come 
nigh  me  I 

But  if  your  suit  should  win  her 
Mine  may  succeed  some  day  ; 
One  fault  oft  breeds  another, 

And  then...  What  do  you  say  !  (a  long  pause) 
FaXiST.  Before  all  else,  without  the  least  compunction,  good  sir, 
your  gold  I'll  pocket,  pledging  my  knightly  word 
(my  hand  upon  it)  (squeezing  Ford's  hand)  that  I  will 
satisfy  your  longings.  This  dull  Ford's  lovely  wife, 
fair  Alice,  shall  be  yours  ! 
Ford    I  thank  you  ! 

Falst.     Her  favour  I'm  assured  of  ;    I  stand  supreme  in  her  good 
graces  ; 

!She  hath  consented  to  yield  to  my  embraces. 
Ford     (violently)     Who  ? 
Falst.     (calmly) 

Kind  Alice  !     Hither  this  very  day,  she  sent  me  a  mes- 
sage to  tell  me  that  from  home  her  blockhead  of  a  hus- 
band is  absent,  between  two  and  three. 
Ford     (spoken) 

Between  two  and  three...  (sung)  Pray,  do  you  know  him  ? 
Falst.  Not  I  !  the  foul  fiend  may  take  him,  for  me,  to  join  Men- 
elaus,  his  ancestor  1  I'll  worry  him  !  I'll  flurry  him  ! 
yes,  yes  ;  take  heed,  fair  Sir,  and  you  shall  see  how  I'll 
bamboozle  him  neatly,  featly  ! 
Should  he  prove  fro  ward, 
A  skinful  of   sore  bones  he'll   get  from  me,  the  paltry 

coward  ! 
He's  but  a  beast  of  burden  ;  give  heed  how  I'll  perplex 

him  ; 
Give  heed  how  I  will  vex  him  ! 
Await  me  ;  I  will  but  don  somewhat  braver  garments. 

(exit  C,  carrying  the  bag  of  money  with  him). 


FoED     (ree.) 

Am  I  awake  or  do  I  dream  ? 

By  visions  dire  and  dread  my  soul's  affrighted, 
(ree.)         Am  I  dreaming  ? 

Master  Ford,   arouse  thee  !     Nincompoop  !     Wretch 
benighted. 


FALSTAFF 

Thy  wife  is  faitliless  ;  her  shame  and  degradation, 
Have  wrecked  thy  home,  thine  honour,  reputation  ! 
Fixed  is  the  hour — prepared  the  betrayal — 

Thou'rt  the  butt  of  the  city  ! 
Thy  friends  will  say  all 

That  a  husband  befooled  deserves  no  pity  ! 
I  seem  to  hear  murmurs  of  reprobation, 
Scorning  my  folly,  deriding  my  delusion  ! 
Oh  !  consternation  ! 
Confusion  ! 

Death  and  damnation  ! 
(ree.)    Let  none  but  blockheads  put  faith  in  their  spouses  ! 
For  I  would  trust  my  best  nag  to  a  coper, 

And  to  a  highwayman  my  hoarded  pelf, 
My  tìask  of  Nautz  to  an  insatiate  toper, 

But  not  my  wife  unto  herself  ! 
Ob  !  cruel  fortune  !  of  all  gladness 
And  hope  my  life's  denuded  ! 

Deluded 
Dullard  !  Poor  dupe  !  Insensate  ninny  ! 

Deluded  ! 
But  thou  shalt  not  escape,  no  !  ruffian,  traitor, 
Accursed  rogue  and  faitour  ! 
First  I'll  bewray  him. 
And  flay  him, 
Then  slay  him  ! 
I  will  avenge  this  outrage  ;  though  I  be  scorned  and 

spited, 
My  deadly  wrong  shall  fully  be  requited  ! 

(Enter  Falstaff  wearing  a  new  doublet,  hat  and  cane.) 

Falst.     Good   Master   Brook,  I'm   ready.     To  saunter   are  you 

minded? 
FoED     Right  gladly  I'll  walk  with  you, 
Falst.     Pray  pass  first. 
Ford     Nay,  Sir,  you. 

Falst.     No,  ho:  this  is  my  poor  dwelling.     Precede  me. 
Ford     Pray  pass. 

Falst.     'Tis  late.  Sir;  my  rendez-vous  is  urgent. 
Ford     No  compliments,  I  beg  you. 
Falst.     Pass  first  then  ! 
Ford     Excuse  me. 
Falst.     I  pray  you  ! 
Ford     Excuse  me. 
Falst.     Well,  well,  we'll  go  together  !  (exeunt  arm  in  ai-m). 


End  of  Scene  I. — Act  II, 


FALSTAFF 


SCENE  IL 


A  room  in  Ford's  house. 


Large  window  C.  at  back  of  stage,  from  which  garden  is  visible. 
Doors  R.  C,  R.  and  L.  Stan-cases  R.  and  L.  A  closed  screen 
leaning  against  wall  L.,  close  by  a  huge  fireplace.  Large  cup- 
board against  wall  R.  Table,  wooden  chair,  couch  and  several 
stools.     A  lute  lymg  on  the  couch.     Flowers  on  the  table. 

Mrs.  Ford  and  Mrs.  Page  are  discovered  in  conversation. 


Mrs.  Fokd      The  Parliament  should  pass  a  Bill   imposing  heavy 
taxes  on  such  gross  knaves  as  Falstaff  ! 

Quick,     (enters  laughing) 

Fair  gossips  !     (they  advance  to  meet  her.     Anne  enters 
and  stands  aside,  sadly) 

Mrs.  Ford  and  Mrs.  Page 
What  news  ? 

Quick.     A  dance  we'll  lead  him  ! 

Mrs.  Ford     Well  said  ! 

Quick.      What's  more,  we'll  make  him  pay  the  piper  I 

Both     (as  above) 

Still  better  ! 

Quick.     He  fell  into  our  trap  headforemost. 

Mrs.  Ford     Tell  us  thy  story,  tell  us  ! 

Quick.     'Twas  at  the  Garter  hostelry  I  sought  him; 
1  craved  admission  to  the  Knight, 
That  I  might 

Impart  the  message  I  had  brouglit  him. 
Sir  John  was  pleased  jjromptly  to  grant  nic  audience 
And  thus  accosted  nie,  with  gesture  consequential  : — 
"  God  save  thee,  icorthy  woman.''''    *'  /Sir,  fair  yreeiing  I  " 


FALSTAFF 

I  curtsied  deep  and  low,  in  manner  deferential. 
Full  artfully  I  told  my  story,  ne  slily  winking 

Sate  gloating  on  my  ev  ry  word,  and  deeply  drinking. 
To  cut  a  long  tale  short,  he  is  thoroughly  persuaded  that 

you  are   both  beside  yourselves  for  love  of   his  huge 

carcase;  (to  Mrs.  Foid)  and  so  full  soon  you'll  seeliim 

wallow  prostrate  at  your  feet. 

Mes.  Ford      When? 

Quick      Directly;  here,  between  two  and  three. 

Mrs.  Ford      'Tis  two  already! 

All      Between  two  and  three! 

Mrs.  Ford      (going  up  stage  C.  and  calling  out) 

What  ho!  Ned!  Will!  (to  dame  Quickly)  To  re» 
ceive  him  all  is  ready,  (again  calling  out)  Bring 
hither,  quick,  the  basket  of  foul  Imen! 

Quick.     A  famous  notion,  truly! 

Mrs.  Ford  My  Nannie,  why  so  despondent?  What  ails  thee, 
child?  (caressing  Anne)  Thou'rt  weeping!  Tell 
me  why.     Tell  thy  fond  mother. 

Anne      (sobbing) 

My  father... 

Mrs.  Ford  Well,  well;  what  next? 

Anne      (bursting  into  tears) 

]My  father  tells  me  that  I  must  marry  Doctor  Cams!.. 

Mrs.  Ford      That  stupid  pedant! 

Quick.  Good  Lord! 

Mrs  Page  That  blockhead! 

Mrs.  Ford      Tliat  dullard! 

Anne  That  old  grandfather! 

All  No,  no! 

Anne  I  cannot  wed  that  ancient  mummy. 

Mrs.  Ford      Thou  shalt  be  pelted  by  cabbage-stalks  ratherl 

Mrs.  Page  and  Quick. 

Well  said! 

Mrs.  Ford      Sweet,  fear  not! — 


FALSTAFF 


Anne      (jumping  with  joy) 

Delightful  !     To  Doctor  Caius  I  shall  not  be  wed! 

(Enter  two  serving  men  carrying  a  basket  full  of  dirty  linen) 

Mrs.  Ford      Put  it  dawn  there.     Then,    when   again   I  call  you, 
promptly  empty  the  basket  into  the  river. 

Anne     Splash  ! 

Mrs.  Ford      (to  Anne)     Silence!     (to  servants)     Begone! 

Anne      What  a  horrid  tumble  ! 

Mrs.  Ford      Now  set  everything  ready.     (Places  a  chair  near  the 
table)     Here,  a  footstool. 

Anne      (fetches  her  lute,  and  lays  it  on  the  table) 
Here,  my  lute. 

Mrs.    Ford      (to  Anne  and  Mrs.  Page  who  set  up  the  screen  be- 
tween the  basket  and  the  fireplace,  and  then  open  ii) 
The  screen,  too,  let  us  open!     That's  better  far.     Just  so! 
A  little  wider.     The  scene  is  set  ;  there's 
nought  our  play  to  hinder. 
Soon  the  chief  actor  will  enter;  thereafter 
We  shall  enjoy  our  fill  of  mirthful  laughter; 
Laughter  that  soon  to  his  senses  will  bring  him, 
Will  mock  and  will  shame  him,  scourge 

and  will  sting  him! 
We  are  but  women,  yet,  when  we're  put  to  it, 
He  who  molests  us  full  surely  shall  rue  it, 
For  we  will  float  him  and  laugh  him  to  scorn, 
And  make  him  wish  that  he  ne'er  had  been  born! 
And  now!     (to    Mrs.   Page)     Thou  hast  mastered  thy 
part,  and  wilt  play  it. 

Mrs.  Page      And  thou  art  prepared  to  encounter  the  Knight. 

Quick.     I'll  signal  his  coming... 

Mrs.  Ford  He  cannot  delay  it. 

Anne      I'll  wait  on  the  staircase,  and  keep  out  of  sight! 

Mrs.  Ford      And  we  will  prove,  by  harmless  fun  and  frolic. 
That  honest  women  may  be  both  Avise  and  jolly;  ' 
Oft  the  wife  who's  most  inclined  to  rollick 
Appears  most  melancholy! 

(Dame  Quickly  stands  by  window  C,  overlooking  street) 


FALSTAFF 


TRIO. 
(Mrs.  Ford,  Mrs.  Page,  Anne,  Ford) 

Soon  the  cliiof  actor  will  enter;  thereafter 

We  all  shall  enjoy  our  fill  of  free  mirth  and  gay  laughter! 

Quick,     (approaching  the  others) 
Haste  away  ;  'tis  he  ! 

Mks.  Ford      And  where? 

Quick.     Quite  near  the  l^ouse. 

AN]srE      Hurry! 

Quick.     He's  about  to  enter. 

Mrs.  Ford      (to  Anne  pointing  L.) 

That  way,  thou!     (to  Mrs.  Page  pointing  R.)     This  way, 
thou!     Delay  not! 

Anne      Delay  not!  (exit  hurriedly,  L.) 

Mrs.  Page      Delay  not!  (exit  hurriedly,  R.) 

QiricK.     Delay  not.' 

(exit  C.  — Mrs.  Ford  sits  down  by  the  table,  and  strikes  a  few  ctiords  on  the  lute) 

Enter  FALSTAFF  hrislcly;  perceiving  MRS.  FORD 
playing  lute  he  hegin   to  sing. 

Falst.     At  last  Tv) e  caught  thee^   my   heav''nly  jeicel,  F ve  caught 
I  nee! 

(seizes  Mrs.  Ford  by  the  waist;  she  ceases  playing,  puts  down  the  lute,  and  arises) 

Now  let  me  die  in  full  contentment,  for  long  enough  Pve 
lived.     This  is  the  height  of  my  ambition. 

Mrs.  Ford      Oh!  sweet  Sir  John! 

Falst.     Oh!  blessed  hour!  I  am  lacking  in  gracioiisness 
And  in  the  mastery  of  flow'ry  phrases 
But  I  can  speak  my  thoughts  with  frank  audaciousness. 

Mrs.  Ford      And  how? 

Falst.     Why  thus.     1  would  that   Master   Ford    lay  underneath 
the  daisies! 

Mrs.  Ford     And  why? 

Falst.     And  why?     Can'st  ask  me?     Then  thou  should'st   be  my 
lady,  and  I  would  be  thy  lord, 

Mrs.  Ford      A  poor  sort  of  lady,  truly! 


FALSTAFF 


FalsTo     i'it  for  a  King!    Right  worthy  thou  to  bear  mine  ancient 
name, 
Decked  out  with  lace  and  jewels,  as  befits  a  noble  dame 
With  golden  chains  entwiniTig 

.  Thy  tresses  of  gold  still  brighter, 
And  on  thy  white  neck  tl.iuing 

Pearls  that  are  scarcely  whiter. 
Thy  dazzling  e>  es  like  lamps  of  love,  fresh  lit  by  Cupid's 
flame  ! 

Mrs.  Fokl)     On  me  ai:.  gaads  would  seem  unsightly, 
'I'o  flaunt  in  silks  I  ne'er  propose: 
I  wear  a  '  verchief,  knotted  lightly. — 

A  simple  girdicc  a  fragrant  rose,     (sets  a  rose  in 
ùe»-  aair) 

Falst.     Swee^  s:.rei:. 

MrSo  Ford     FIl  cermo^  Knigai.  (retreating) 

FiiLST.     We  are  a^one  an^;  neea  tear  no  intrusion. 

Mrs.  Ford     What  t:ien 

Falst.  ove  tiee 

Mrs.  Ford  (retreating)  ijove  is  a  strange  delusion. 

Falst.     But  Love  ne'er  iai_s  to  seize  u'^on  occasion. 

Mrs.  Ford     Sir  i'oan! 

Falst.  it  sms  but  oy  predestination. 

I  love  thee  ana  thou  can'st  not  blame  me. 

Mrs.  Ford  (interrupting  him) 

That,  stirred  by  passion,  you  should  strive  to  shame  me! 

Falst.         When  I  was  page  to  the  Duke  of  Norfolk's  Grace 
Slender  of.  figui  e  and  comely  of  face, 
Buoyant  and  light  as  a  feather  or  shadow  I  hovered  in 

space. 
Those  were  my  gayest,  gladdest  times,  forsooth! 
Maydays  and  heydays  of  my  lusty  ^^outh. 
1  was  so  lithesome  and  supple  and  nimble 
I  could  have  squeezed  myself  into  a  thiiuole! 
'Yes,  as  a  page   I  was  slender  ot  figur,,  and  comely  of 

face. 
Buoyant  and  light  as  a  feather  or  shadow  I  hoverea  in 

space! 

Mrs.  Ford     Alas!  your  vows  are  false  ones.     You  love  another. 


FALSTAFF 

Falst.     \\Tiom? 

Mrs.  Fokd  Meg. 

Falst.  That  slut!  To  me  repulsive  is  her  face! 

Mrs.  Ford     Can  I  trust  to  your  word? 

Falst  I  only  live 

To  clasp  thee  in  my  fond  embrace. 
I  love  thee!  (attem[)ts  to  kiss  her) 

Mrs.  Ford  (resisting)     Be  not  so  bold! 

Falst.  (encircling  her  waist) 
Dearest! 

Quick,    (from  within)     Good  Mistress  Alice! 

Falst.  (lets  Mrs.  Ford  go)  Who  is  there! 

Qui(?K.  (enters  in  great  agitation)  Good  Mistress  Alice! 

Mrs.  Ford    What  now? 

Quick,  (panting  for  breath)  My  good  lady — 'tis  Mistress  Page 
— who  fain  would  see  you — panting — trembling — 
panic  stricken! 

Falst.     The  devil  take  her! 

Quick.     She's  at  the  door,  and  will  not  brook  denial. 

Faxst.     Where  can  I  hide  me? 

Mrs.  Ford.     There,  behind  the  screen. 

(Falstaff  eneconces  himself  behind  the  screen.  When  he  is  hidden,  Dame 
Quickly  beckons  Mrs.  Page  who  enters  R.  in  apparent  agitation.  Exit 
Dame  Quickly) 

Mrs.  Page  Dear  Alice!  What  a  scandal!  What  clamour!  What 
confusion!     Lose  not  a  single  moment,  but  fly! 

Mrs.  Ford     Merciful  Heaven!  what  has  happened? 

Mrs.  Page  Good  Lack!  your  husband  hither  comes,  crjdng  ven- 
geance, and  vowing... 

Mrs,  Ford  (aside  to  Mrs.  Page) 
A  little  louder! 

Mrs.  Page     ...he'll  skin  some  man  alive! 

Mrs.  Ford  (aside,  as  before)     Nay,  laugh  not! 

Mrs.  Page  Onward  still  he  rushes  fired  by  burning  rage,  loudly 
invoking  curses  upon  all  women... 


FALSTAFF 

Mes.  Ford     Ye  heavenly  powers! 

Mrs.  Pa(}e     He  says  you  bave  concealed  here  a  lover 
Whose  hiding-place  he's  sworn  to  discovei*. 

Quick,   (re-enters,  exclaiming) 

Good  Mistress  Alice,  your  husband's  nigh.  Await  him 
not!  He  rages  like  a  tempest,  thundering,  roaring, 
bellowing,  his  forehead  fiercely  striking,  maddened  by 
jealous  fury. 

Mrs.  Ford  (somewhat  alarmed)     In  earnest  or  in  jest? 

Quick.  In  earnest.  He  forced  his  way  through  the  hedge  that 
skirts  the  garden,  and  h.ird  at  lieel  a  ciowd  followed 
after;  he's  close  at  hand,  I  hear  his  Mep  approaching 
the  doorway. 

Ford  (behind  the  scene) 
Vile  siihorner! 

(Falstaff,  greatly  nlarmed,  advances  a  step  towards  the  door,  but,  hearing  Ford's 
voice,  returns  to  his  h  ding-place,  and  Mrs.  Ford  rapidly  folds  the  screen 
aiouiid  him,  so  thut  he  is  completely  concealed). 

Falst.      Sure  Lucifer  and  all  his  imps  are  compassing  my  ruin! 


^-^ 


Ford  (from  within,  shouting  to  his  followers) 

Shut  all  the  doois  closely,  and  block  up  the  approaches! 
(enter  hurriedly  Fenton  and  Caius)  Now  aid  me, 
kind  neigh'. ours,  to  hunt  down  this  vermin,  (to  Caius) 
By  scent,  like  a  fox,  we  will  track  him.  (To  Fenton) 
Search  thou  in  the  corridors. 


FALSTAFF 


Bard,  and  Pist.     (rush  in  shouting) 

Hark  forward  !  (Fenton  crosses  L.) 

Ford     (to  Bardolph  and  Pistol  pointing  L.) 

Cut  off  his  retreat,  and  guard  evry  exit  ! 

(Exeunt  Bardolph  and  Pistol,  brandishing  cudgels,  L.) 

Mrs.  Ford     (facing  Ford) 

Pray,  are  you  distracted?     What  ails  you? 

Ford     (perceiving  the  basket) 

That  basket  !  What  is  in  it  ! 

Mrs.  Ford     Dirty  linen. 

Ford     (to  Mrs.  Ford) 

And  thou  still  fouler  !  (hands  bunch  of  keys  to  Caius 
who  runs  off  L.)  Take  thou  all  the  keys — open  ward- 
robes and  cupboards  !  (to  Mrs.  Ford)  Thou  hast 
befouled  me  !  (kicks  the  basket)  The  deuce  take  the 
tatters  !  (shouting  up  stage  C.)  Let  both  of  the  Park 
gates  be  bolted  !  (pulls  all  the  linen  out  of  the  basket, 
strewing  it  about  the  floor  furiously)  Foul  tuckers  and 
smocks,  too.  If  I  catch  thee,  vile  hound  !  Dirty  dust- 
ers ;  faugh  !  faugh  !  ruffled  coifs,  too.  I'll  find  thee  ! 
soiled  sheets  and  frowsy  old  nightcaps.     But  not  he  ! 

Mrs.  Ford.  Mrs,  Page,  Quick,  (together) 
What  a  turmoil  ! 

Ford  Look  under  the  bedsteads,  in  the  oven,  the  draw-well,  the 
cistern,  the  chimneys,  and  the  kitchen  !  (rushes  out  L., 
shouting) 

Mrs.  Ford    He's  a  lunatic  ! 

Quick.     Take  it  coolly  ! 

Mrs.  Ford     How  shall  my  luckless  knight  escape  him  ? 

Quick.     In  the  basket. 

Mrs.  Ford     Nay,  the   thing  will  not  hold  him.       (Falstaff  cau- 
tiously unfolds  the  screen) 
He's  much  too  portly. 

Falst.     (advances  towards  the  basket)     Let's  see  !   Yes  !    I'll  in  ! 

Mrs.  Ford     Quick,  let  me  call  the  servants.  (Exit) 


FALSTAFF 


Mrs.  Page     Sir  John  !  You  here  !    You! 

■Falst.     (getting  into  the  basket) 

I  love  thee  !  thee,  dearest,  only  !  Save  me!  save  me  ! 

Quick,     (picking  up  the  linen) 
Hurry  ! 

Mrs.  Page     (to  Falstaff)  Hasten  ! 

Falst.     (squeezing  himself  by  sheer  force  into  the  basket) 
At  last  I'm  m  !  Pray,  cover  me  ! 

Quick.     Quick  now;  fill  up  the  basket  !     (Enter  Anne  and  Fen- 
ton  cautiously,  L.) 

Anne     Come  hither  ! 

Fent.     What  clamour  ! 

Anne     What  a  strange  antic         (approaching  screen) 
Follow  my  footsteps  ! 

Fent.     Sure  they  are  frantic  ! 

Anne        ^  Each  in  his  fashion 

Madness  displays; 
Revenge  their  passion, 

Fent.  And  love  our  craze  ! 

Anne     (takes   him   by  the   hand  leads   him  behind   the  screen, 
where  both  conceal  themselves) 
Follow  me,  I  prithee. 

Fent.  No  eye  has  spied  me. 

Anne  Here  safely  Pll  hide  me; 

Fent.  Keeping  me  with  thee. 

Anne  We  must  not  be  seen,  love  I 

Fent.  (kissing  her)    What  should  reveal  us  ? 

Anne  Blest  be  the  screen,  love. 

Together  That  doth  conceal  us. 


Caius     (shouting  from  within) 
Vile  ruffian  ! 

Ford     (from  within) 

Bloated  minion. 


FALSTAFF 

Caitjs     (crossing  stage  rapidly) 
Lay  hold  of  him  ! 

Ford     (enters  hastily  L.,  as  Bardolph  and  Pistol  rush  in  R.) 
Vileniffian!   (to  Pistol)  Found? 

PisT.    No  ! 

Ford     (to  Bardolph) 
Found  ? 

Bard.     Alas,  no  ! 

Ford     (searching  everywhere  and  upsetting  furniture) 
Haply  he  lurks  behind  some  curtain  ! 

Bard,     (looking  up  the  chimney) 

He  cannot  be  found  here. 

Ford    And  yet  here  he  is  hidden  for  certain  ! 
I  know  it  ! 

Caius     Sir  John,  I  shall  laugh  myself  sore 

When  you  caper  aloft  with  the  sky  for  your  floor  ! 

Ford     (dashes  at  the  wall-cupboard,   and  endeavours  to  force  it 
open.) 
Come  out,  thou  fat  villain,  or  I'll  burst  in  the  panels! 

Caius     (tries  to  open  cupboard  with  key) 
Surrender  ! 

Ford     Surrender,  base  coward,  foul  braggart  ! 

Bard,  and  Pist.     (re-enter  hui'riedly  L.) 
There's  no  one  ! 

Ford     (still  forcing  open  the  cupboard  with  Caius.) 

Go  look  for  him  elsewhere.  Bardolph  and  Pistol  rush 
out  again,  L)  Surrender,  base  coward  !  (breaks 
open  the  cupboard)     He's  not  there  ! 

Caius     (opening  chest  under  couch) 

Come  out,  then  !      He's  not  there  !      (runs  about  the 

room,  prying  and  searching) 
Futile  boaster  !     Poltroon  !     Have  a  care  ! 

Fobd  and  Caius     (together) 

Base  coward!   Vile  braggart!   Fat  villain!    Foul  brute! 

(Ford  tears  open  the  table-drawer,  quite  beside  himself) 

Anne  and  Fenton,  still  behind  the  screen,  exchange  an  audible  kiss,  just  as  the 
turmoil  subsides  into  a  momentary  silence.    Kiss  heard.) 

Ford     (under  his  breath,  looking  at  screen) 
'Tis  he  ! 

Caius    'Tis  he  ! 


FALSTAFF 


FoBD  (cautiously  approaching  screen)     If  I  catch  you  ! 

Caius  (similarly)     If  I  seize  you  ! 

Ford  If  I  snatch  you  ! 

Caius  If  I  squeeze  you  ! 

Ford  I  will  thrash  you  ! 

Caius  I  will  beat  you  like  a  hound  ! 

Ford  And  break  and  smash  you, 

Caius  Aye,   and  dash  you  upon  the  ground  ! 

Ford  You  shall  pay  for  all  your  bragging,  if  1  catch  yoii_ 

Caius  If  I  snatch  you  ! 

Pistol      (re  enter  L.  with  neighbours)     I  can't  see  him  ! 

Bardolph      (re-enter  L.  with  neighbours)     I  can't  find  him  1 

Ford  (to  Bardolph,  Pistol  and  neighbours)  S-sh  !  All  hither  ! 
I  have  found  him.  (under  his  breath,  mysteriously, 
pointing  to  screen)     With  ray  wife  he  there  is  hidden, 

Bardolph     Let  us  thrash  him,  grind  him_,  pound  him  1 

Ford     Silence,  thou  noisy  rascal  ! 


ENSEMBLE 


ANNE, 


While  the  old  people  make  all  this  riox, 
We  exchange  kisses  in  peace  and  in  quiet. 
Lovers  delight  in  noise  and  confusion, 
Their  sweetest  bliss  they  find  in  calm  seclusion. 

FENTON. 

Dear  smiling  maiden  !  Love  interceding, 
Thy  heart  has  yielded  to  my  fond  pleading. 
When  first  I  saw  thee,  my  love  was  thine, 
And  now  I   know,  sweet,  that  thine  is  mine  ! 

quickly. 

Now  let  us  be  busy,  the  linen  arranging, 

And  give  him  a  chance  his  position  of  changing. 

MRS.  page. 

Let's  pile  the  clothes  on  him,  and  thoroughly  hide  hii», 
Lest  some  irretrievable  ill  should  betide  him  ! 

quickly. 

Till  now  his  suspicions  have  led  him  astray. 
Defeat  us  he  shall  not,  though  vex  us  he  may  I 


FALSTAFF 
MRS.  PAGE. 

The  risk  of  a  jest  is  the  liveliest  part, 

It  raises  the  spirits  and  gladdens  the  heart  I 

Falstaff      (thrusting  out  his  face)     I'm  stifling  I 

Quickly      (pushing  him  down)     Lie  quiet,  lie  quiet  ! 

Mrs.  Page      Be  careful,  they're  prying  ! 

Quickly     If  Ford  should  espy  you,  he'll  kill  you  ! 

Ford      Did  ye  hear  their  shameful  kissing  ? 

Bardolph      Now  we've  snared  the  slimy  serpent  ; 

Snakes  betray  themselves  by  hissing. 
Ford  Let's  consult  !     Before  the  tussle 

I  would  ask  your  counsel  further. 

Caius      If   he   exert  his  muscle,   there'll  be   broken   bones   and 

murther  ! 
FoED  I've  a  masterly  conception, 

Hear  and  mark  what  I  have  planned 
Of  the  right  wing  take  direction, 
(to  Pistol  and  servants) 
While  the  left  wing  I  command.  • 
(to  Bardolph  and  Caius) 
And  the  others,  from  behind  him. 
Will  lay  hold  of  him  and  bind  him  I 
(to  the  rest) 

Caicjs,  Bardolph,  Pistol  and  Neighbours. 

Bravo,  bravo,  great  tactician. 
We  approve  your  proposition  ! 

Ford      (to  Caius)     Must  I  drain  the  bitter  chalice  ? 
(approaching  screen) 
Hear  their  billing  and  their  cooing? 
Vile  seducer  !     'Tis  my  Alice — 
Whom  the  wretch  is  hotly  wooing. 

Caius      (to  Ford)     Yes,  I  hear  them. 

Who  in  wedlock  seeks  for  pleasure 

Naught  to  gain  has,  all  to  lose  ; 
Hapless  friend,  for  all  your  treasure 
I  would  not  stand  in  your  shoes  I 


FALSTAFF 


FENTON. 

The  torch  of  Hymen  is  burning  brightly. 

ANNE. 

His  cherubs  round  me  are  hov'ring  lightly, 
(all  ensemble) 

ANNE. 

In  thought  and  action, 
Asking,  denying, 
Smiling  and  sigi  ing, 
Love  is  distraction  ! 
Falstaff      I'm  frying  ! 

Quickly  and  Mrs,  Page      (together)     Keep  under  !     Lie  quiet  i 
Falstaff      I'm  stewing  !     I'm  melting  !     Alack,   I  shall  die  if  I 

may  not  take  breath  ! 
Quickly      Keep  under,  keep  under  !  Unless  you  keep  quiet 
you're  doomed  to  death  ! 
(covers  Falstaff  up  with  the  dirty  linen) 
Mrs.  Page      (ironically)     Strange,  that    nobody  offers    to     fan 

him  1 
Mrs.  Page      Be  quiet  !    To  lausrh  were  to  make  them  suspect  us  j 
Unless  we  are  caret ul  they'll  surely  detect  us. 
A  husband  wlio's  jealous, 
A  swain  over-zealous. 
Caius  He  whose  wife  is  wont  to  play  him 

Many  a  plaguey  prank  and  trick, 
Should  compel  her  to  obey  him 
With  a  horsewhip  or  a  stick. 
Bardolph      Hearken  to  these  hidden  lovers,  here  in  privacy  dis- 
porting. 
How  caressingly  tliey  murmur,    like  two  turtledoves 
a-courting. 

Now  his  suit  he's  fondly  pressing 
And  her  whisper  you  can  hear. 
As  her  love  she  is  confessing 
To  her  portly  cavalier. 
FoBD  They  believe  that  none  can  hear  them. 

Hear  their  kisses  and  their  sighs  ; 
But  a  storm  is  brewing  near  them 
Fraught  with  terrible  surprise. 
Pistol  Listen  to  his  heavy  breathing 

As  he  labours  to  respire. 
While  his  very  fat  is  seething 

With  intemperate  desire. 
He  will  pipe  in  other  fasliion 

When  we  have  him  ^uy  the  throat. 
And  if  singing  be  his  passion, 

We  will  make  him  change  his  note. 


FALSTAFF 


NEIGHBOUKS,    SERVANTS,    ETC. 


Tread  on  tiptoe;  don't  alarm  him,  nor  arouse  his  least  suspicion, 
We  must  fall  on  him  and  seize  him  while  defenceless  his  position  ; 
If  he  fall,  he  can't  escape  us;  nought  on  earth  can  save  him  then. 
And  we'll  teach  him  not  to  meddle  with  the  wives  of  honest  men  ! 

IFoKD         Silence  !  Look  out  I  Now  is  our  time  !  Attention  ! 
Your  eyes  on  me  ! 

One!  Two!  TAree/ (throws  down  screen) 

.Caifs  'Tis  not  he  ! 

(Anne  and  Fenton  are  discovered  nmch  embarrassed) 

ALL   THE    MEN. 

Strange  situation  ! 
As  in  the  sunshine  opens  the  flower, 

So  my  heart  blossoms  in  this  blissful  hour. 
Sweet  IS  that  passion-flower  ! 
Yes  I  love  thee  ! 

Fenton      'Neath  those  dark  lashes  Love's  lamps  are  beaming 
Like  hidden  Jewels  in  darkness  gleaming; 
Lips  like  twin  rosebuds  fraught  with  perfume, 
Cheeks  like  ripe  peaches  in  their  velvet  bloom. 
Say,  dost  thou  love  me  ? 
I  love  thee  ! 
From  all  such  tormentors  may  Heaven  protect  us  ! 

Let's  speak  in  a  whisper,  and  rivet  oui-  eyes 
On  Falstaff  the  Fat,  in  our  basket  who  irits. 

Quickly     We're  quiet  !  Restrain  we  our  laughter, 
Our  fun  will  come  after 
The  end  of  the  riot. 

Our  captive  is  fretting 

And  puflfing  and  blowing. 
His  carcr.se  is  sweating. 
His  wits  are  fast  going. 
So  foul  his  transgressions,  in  word  and  in  deed, 
That  soundly  to  souse  him  is  kindness  indeed. 

Falstaff  Ugh  !  basket  accursed  !  I'm  choking  ! 

Convey  me  away  ! 
Rescue  me  !  Save  me  !  (hides  himself  again) 

MRS.  FORD,    MRS.  PAGE    and    QUICKLY. 

Keep  quiet  !  Be  silent  !  The  creature  is  restive  ! 

He's  crazy  with  vexation  ! 

And  consternation  ) 


FALSTAFF 

Ford         Vile,  disobedient  daughter!  (to  Anne  furiously) 

Shall  I  be  thus  defied  ?  (to  Fenton) 

Deceit  in  vain  you've  taught  her; 
She  ne'er  shall  be  your  bride  ! 

(Anne  runs  off  affrighted.    Exit  Fenton  hastily  C.) 

Bard.     (Runs  up  stage.) 

He's  there  !     Seize  him  I 

Ford     Where  ?     Lay  hold  of  him  I 

PiST.     There,  on  the  staircase  ! 

All  the  men 

Hark,  forward  !  (they  rush  up  stairs,  C.) 

Quick.     What  turmoil  and  riot  ! 

Mrs.  Ford  Ned  !  Will  !  Tom  !  Isaac  !  (re-enter  Anne  with 
four  serving  men  and  a  page)  Here  !  Hasten  ! 
Quickly  empty  this  basket  out  of  window  and  into 
the  river — there,  just  by  the  bulrushes,  and  near  that 
busy  group  of  washerwomen. 

Anne,  Mrs.  Page  and  Quick. 
Yes,  yes;  just  there  ! 

Anne     (to  men  striving  to  lift  basket) 
The  load  is  somewhat  heavy. 

Mrs.  Ford     (to  the  Page) 

Call  thou  my  husband  hither.  (Exit  page  by  staircase,  C.) 

(Anne  and  Dame  Quickly  stand  looking  at  the  men,  who  at  length  have  hoisted 
up  the  basket.) 

Mrs.  Ford     (to  Mrs.  Page) 

We  will  explain  to  him  how  we've  been  joking, 
And  when  he  sees  poor  Falstaff  sadly  soaking, 
He'll  ne'er  again  indulge  in  jealous  croaking  I 

Quick,     (to  serving  men)     Now  then  ! 


FALSTAFF 


Mns.  Ford  and  Mrs.  Page 
Together  ! 

Anne     I  heard  the  basket  crack,     (the  basket  is  hoisted  higher) 

ToGKTHEU     Up  with  it  !  Be  ready  !  Be  steady  !    Ah!    Ah  !  He's 
over  ! 

.    aistaS,  basket  and  n^ea  are  tumbled  out  of  window 

Together     s*aiatrac  ! 

(Screams  and  laughter  of  women  outride  and  inside.    Ford  and  the  other  men  rush  in.  Mrs. 
Ford  takes  Ford  by  the  arm,  and  leads  him  hurriedly  to  window.) 


END  OF  ACT  U. 


ACT  HI 


SCENE  1. 

A  street,  exterior  of  the  Garter  Hotel,  showing  the  sign  and 
motto:  Honi  soit  qui  mal  y  pense.  A  bench  near  the  door- 
way.    Time,  sunset. 

Falst.  (is  seated  on  the  heuch  meditatin^.  lie  rouses  himself, 
turns  towaids  tlie  entrant-e  of  the  inn  and  summons 
ilie  hosi,) 

Ho  !  House,  within  there  !  (gloomily  reflecting) 
Wicke<l  workl  !  "^rreacherons  world  !  Vile  world  ! 
(entiT  Host)  Worthy  host,  a  beaker  of  burnt  sherry, 
(exit  Host)  For  this,  then,  so  many  years  have  I 
flourished,  gallant  and  gay,  the  pearl  of  Knighthood; 
that  I  shiiula  Oe  packed  into  a  basket,  and  then  ducked 
in  the  river  with  foul  and  recking  linen,  just  like  a 
mongrel  dog  or  litter  of  blind  kittens  !  And  had  not 
this  f.iir  roundness  like  cork  or  bladder  floated,  sure  I 
had  peri  hed  !  An  ugly  ending  !  Water  distends  me  ! 
Vilest  world  I  The  good  old  days  are  past.  All  is 
.  decadent.  Go  thy  way,  Jack  Falstafl^,  as  long  as  thy 
life  endureth;  with  thee  shall  disappear  forever  the 
type  of  honest  manhood  !  That  I  should  thus  be 
treated  !  Heav'n  give  me  grace  !  I  wax  too  portly  ; 
gray  my  beard  is  turning,  (re-enter  Host  with  a  large 
tankard  of  mulled  wine,  which  Jie  sets  on  the  table 
and  exit)  I'll  mix  a  pint  of  sack  with  a  gallon  of 
Thames  water,  (sips,  then  drinks  deej)ly)  Sweet  'tis 
to  drink  good  wine  while  basking  in  the  sunshine,  free 
from  constriction. 


FALSTAFF 


For  good  wine  dispels  all  the  darksome  vapors  of  melan- 
choly, brightens  the  eye,  quickens  thought  ;  from  the 
lip  ascends  to  the  brain,  and  there  wakens  up  the  tiny 
weaver  of  fancies,  and  a  sable  sprite  lurking  in  the 
skulls  of  topers  and  trolling  joyous  lays  that  ring 
through  the  sky,  up  to  the  spheres,  till  the  gladdened 
earth  softly  echoes  tlie  gay  strain  of  the  minstrel,  and 
Song  pervades  the  worl  l. 

(Enter  Dame  Quickly,  interrupting  Falstafl.) 

Quick.    Sir,  fair  greeting  !     Good  Mistress  Alice... 

Falst.     (rising  in  anger) 

The  foul  fiend  fly  away  with  your  Mistress  Alice  !  Enough 
I've  had  of  Alice  !  Too  much  I've  had  of  Alice  ! 

Quick.     You  are  mistaken... 

Falst.     A  cockatrice  !    Still  my  shoulders  and  ribs  are  black  and 
blue  with  sore  bruises  !  My  very  bones  are  aching  from 
having  been  closely  compressed,  like  a  good  bilbo,  in 
the  circumference  of  a  peck,  hilt  to  point,  heel  to  head  ! 
What  a  ferment  ?     What  a  smelting  ! 
A  man  of  my  complexion 
•  As  butter  prone  to  melting, 

A  chronic  liquefaction  ! 
When  I  was  hotly  stewing   and  seething   and  fiercely 
glowing,  in  the  river  they  plunged  me  !  Base  rascals  ! 

(Mrs.  Ford,  Mrs.  Page,  Ford,  Caius  and  Fenton  advance  from  behiri'l  a  house  L.,  alternately 
peeping  out,  ou.-  and  another,  and  concealing  .lieint elves.) 

Quick.     She  is  blameless,  of  that  be  certain. 

Falst.     Away  with  thee  ! 

Quick.  The  fault  lay  with  those  dullard,  those  stupid  varlets!  And 
she's  lamenting,  weeping,  her  lot  ioewailing  !  Unhajtpy 
lady  !  She  loves  you.  Read  this,  pray,  (gives  a  letter 
which  Falstaff  takes  and  reads.) 

Mrs.  Ford  and  Ford  (under  their  breath,  peeping  out  C.) 
He's  reading. 

Anke     Again  we  shall  ensnare  him. 

Mrs.  Page     (to  Mrs.  Ford) 
Conceal  thyself  ! 


FALSTAFF 


Caius    He's  reading. 

FoBD     Yes,  truly  ;  the  bait  he  swallows. 

Falst.     (reading  aloud) 

To-night  in  Windsor  Park,  at  midnight,  1  shall  await 
thee,  in  disguise,  clad  from  head  to  foot  as  the  Sable 
Huntsman,  by  Heme's  Oak  thou  wilt  tarry. 

Quick.     True  love  mystery  loveth. 

To  meet  you,  fair  Alice  herself  must  avail 

Of  a  dismal  old  legendary  tale. 

Near  tliat  oak  is  a  trysting-place  of  witch  and  elf. 

Heme,  the  Black  Hunter,  hanged  himself 

At  midnight  to  its  topmost  bough — 

There  are  some  who  believe  that  he  haunts  it  now  ! 

Falst.     (takes  Dame  Quickly  by  the  arm,  to  lead  her  into  the 
iim) 

Prithee,  in  !  there  we  can  talk  at  leisure; 
Come  ;  I  await  thy  pleasure. 

Quick,     (enters  inn  with  Falstaff,  continuing   her  story  mysteri- 
ously) 
Just  as  th§  chimes  the  hour  of  twelve  are  sounding... 


*#► 


Ford     We've  got  him  1 

Mrs.  Ford     (mimicking    Dame  Quickly,   advances   C.    with  the 
others) 
Just  as  the  chimes  the  hour  of  twelve  are  sounding, 

When  ev'ry  sud,  unhallowed  spirit  walks, . 
And  ghostly  forms  appear,  the  oak  surrounding. 

Through  Windsor  Fort-st  the  Sable  Huntsman  stalks  ! 
He  glides  along,  so  slowly,  slowly,  slowly. 
With  eyelids  closed,  like  one  who's  soundly  sleeping  ; 
His  face  is  deadly  pale... 

Anne  Spectre  unholy  ! 

Mrs.  Pagb     Tell  me  no  more  !  With  fright  my  flesh  is  creeping  ! 

Mrs.  Ford     An  idle  tale,  to  froward   babes  told   times  without 
number 
By  twilight,  with    bateil  breath,  to    soothe  them  to 
slumber  ! 

(Together  w  ith  Anne  and  Mrs.  Page.) 

A  wronged  woman's  vengeance  it  fitly  may  serve  ! 


FALSTAFF 


(Resuming  a  tone  of  mystery.) 

His  face  is  deadly  pale,  and  just  as  he  is  nearing 
The  spot  on  which  his  life  he  grimly  ended, 
Fairy  wands  wave,  and,  on  his  brows  appearing. 
Spout  fortli  two  mighty  branching  antlers  ! 

FoBD  Splendid .' 

These  broad  antlers  shall  yield  me  joy  and  gladness. 

•  Mrs.  Ford     Thou  deservest  admonishment 
For  all  thy  jealous  madness  ! 

Ford  Forgive  me  !  I've  endured  sufficient  punishment. 

Mrs.  Ford     If  e'er  I  should  detect  thee 
Essaying  to  discover 
In  a  nutshell,  an  imaginary  lover 
Why,  then — Heaven  protect  thee  ! 
But  time  is  flying  ;  our  wits  must  now  be  busy. 

Mrs.  Page     Let's  consult. 

Ford     And  arrange  our  masquerading. 

Mrs.  Ford     My  Nannie  ! 

Anne     What  is  your  will  ? 

Mrs.  Ford  Thou  shalt  be  drest  as  the  Queen  of  all  the  Fairies, 
enrobed  in  gauze  white  as  the  snow,  and  thy  waist 
girdled  with  roses, 

Anne     And  then  I'll  sing  and  dance,  sweetly  and  featly. 

Mrs.  Ford  (to  Mrs.  Page) 

Clad  in  green  thou   shalt  be,  nymph  of    the  woodlands  ; 
disguised  as  an  enchantress  shall  be  Dame  Quickly. 

Anne     (joyously) 

Naught  could  be  better  !     (Daylight  fades  into  twilight.) 

Mrs.  Ford     I'll  dress  and  drill  a  scoi-e  of  tiny  lads  and  little  lasses, 
who  shall  play  the  parts  of  elves  and  imps   and   spi'ites 
and  Jack-o'-lanterns. 
The  Knight  they  shall  surround  and  soundly  swinge  him, 
Make  mock  of  him  and  singe  him... 

Anne,  Mrs.  Page  and  Fenton  Singe  him  !     Siage  him  ! 

Mrs.  Ford  In  torment  he  shall  languish 

Until,  subdued  by  anguish, 

For  mercy  he  shall  pray. 
Then  we  will  undeceive  him. 
With  quips  and  jibes  aggrieve  him. 
Reveal  ourselves,  and  leave  him 

Before  the  dawn  of  day. 

Quick.     'Tis  nightfall. 
Mrs.  Page     Let's  go  homa 


FALSTAFF 

Mrs.  Ford     Hard  by  the  oak  we  sball  meet,  tbeii,  at  midnight. 

Fent.     Ay,  surely. 

Anne     Nought  could  be  better!     (joyously)     What  a   charming 
adventure! 

All     (together) 

Farewell!     (exeunt  Mrs.  Ford,  Anne  and  Fenton  L.) 

Mrs.  Ford     (from  within  to  Mrs.  Page  about  to  exit  R.  ) 
Wilt  thou  provide  the  lanterns'? 

Mrs.  Page     Ay! 

Ford     (secretly  to  Caius,  standing  close  by  the  inn,  whence  enters 
Dame  Quickly,  who,  seeing  the  two  men  in  conference, 
stops  to  listen) 
Be  of  good  heart,  for  thou  shalt  wed  my  daughter.     Dost 
thou  remember  what  dress  she  will  be  wearing? 

Caius     Girdh>d  with  roses,  ;ind  arrayed  in  white  garments, 

Mrs.  Ford     (from  within) 

Do  not  forget  the  vizards! 

Mrs.  Page     (from  within,  R.) 

No,  surely  ;  nor  thou  the  wands  and  tapers! 

Ford     (to  Caius) 

My  plan  I've  laid  with  due  precaution.  When  our  jest 
shall  be  ended,  come  both  to  me  ;  but  keep  faces 
hidden — hers  by  her  veil,  thine  in  a  cowl  enshrouded 
— and  1  will  bless  ye  then  as  bride  and  bridegroom! 

Caius     (takes  Ford's  arm) 

We're  agreed,  then. 

Quick,      (from  the  threshold  of  the  inn) 

What  ninnies!  (makes  a  mocking  gesture,  and  exit  hur- 
riedly, R.)     Fair  Annie! 

4nne     (from  within) 
What  now  ? 

Quick.     The  fairy  song  ;  be  sure  you  have  it  ready. 

Anne     'Tis  so  already. 

Mrs.  Ford     (from  within 
Do  not  be  late  ! 

Quick,     (still  farther  off) 

Who  first  arrives,  must  wait  !  (Darkness  sets  in) 

End  Scene  I.  Act  TIL 


FALSTAFF 


SCENE  IL 


Windsor  Pahk  by  Moonlight. 

Heme's   Oak,  C.     A    sawpit  up  stage  C.    Clumps  of  saplings  and 
and  flowering  shrubs.     Horns  are  heard,  sounding  afar  off. 

Enter  Fenton. 


F'ent.         From  fervid  lips  the  song  of  love  arises. 

Through  the  stillness  of  night  afar  resounding, 
And  from  some  lofty,  hollow  rock  rebounding 

Is  eclioed  back  again  in  soft  reprises. 
Its  ev'ry  phrase  and  accent,  thus  transmuted, 

Are  sweetened,  mellowed  too,  l)y  re[>i-oduction, 
And  passion's  loudest  strains,  subtly  commuted, 

Become  mere  whispers  in  their  course  of  refluxion. 
Echo  is  fond  of  songs  ;  quickly  she  learns  tnera, 

Sings  them   once,    twice   or  thrice,  and  then  returns 
them. 
And  thus  the  lover's  kiss  should  be  requited. 

Kissing  is  fraught  with  such  exquisite  pleasure. 

Anne     (within)     Bliss  never  palling  and  sweet  beyond  measure  ! 
Pent.         But  songs  expire  on  lips  that  are  united  ! 

(Enter  Mrs.  Ford,  unexpectedly,  not  in  disguise,  but  carrying  a  black  mask  and  robe  on  her 
arm.    Slie  stops  Fenton) 

Mrs.  Ford     Prithee,  gently  !     Put  on  this  robe  monastic. 

(Enter  Dame  Quickly  disguised  as  a  witch  and  carrying  a  broomstick( 

Fent.     'NS'^hat  freak  is  this  ?         (enter  Anne,  as  the  Fairy  Queen) 

Anne     Do  as  she  tells  you  ! 

Mrs.  Fobd     The  mask,  too  !  (Fenton  puts  on  the  disguise) 


FALSTAFF 


Anne     He  looks  exactly  like  a  truant  Trappist. 

(v-  Mrs.  Ford     (hastily  helping  Fenton  to  fasten  on  the  mask) 

The  trick   my   husband  proposes   to   play  you  must    be 
cleverly  turned  to  your  advantage. 

Fknt.     Explain  yourself, 

Mrs,  Fokd     Ask  no  idle  questions  ;  obey  me  !     An   opportunity 
foregone  recurs  not.     Who  is  to  personate  the   bride  ? 

(to  Dame  Quiekly) 

Quick.     A  mischievous,  long-nosed  stripling,  who  hates  Doctor 
Caius. 

(enter  Mrs.  Pagedrest  in  green  robes,  and  masked) 

Mrs,  Page   Inthe  sawpit  I've  hidden  all  the  urchins.    We're  ready  ! 
Mrs.  Ford     I  hear  the  fat  man  coming. 
All    Vanish  ! 

(Exit  L.) 

(As  the  first  stroke  of  midnight  sounds,  enter  Falstaff  wearing  a  pair  of  antlers  and 
a  heavy  cloak) 

Falst.  O  !  Two  !  Three  !  Four  !  Five  !  Six  !  Seven  ! 
Eight  !  Nine  !  Ten  !  Eleven  !  Twelve  !  'Tis  mid- 
night.  Here  is  the  oak.  Pow'rs  divine,  protect  me  ! 
Gi'eat  Jove  !  thou  who  took'st  on  thee  the  form  of  a 
bull  for  love  of  fair  Europa — thy  brows  were  horned. 
Our  elders  teach  us  virtue  and  decorum  ;  but  Love 
transforms  us  into  beasts  and  brutifies  our  morals  ! 
(listens)  'Tis  her  light  step  approaching.  (Enter 
Mrs.  Ford,  L,  C.)  Sweet  Alice,  thy  lover  callfl  thee  1 
Hither  !  with  love  I'm  burning. 

Mrs.  Ford    Sir  John  ! 

Falst.     Thou  art  mine  own  doe  ! 

Mrs.  Ford     Wh^it  effervescent  love  ! 

Falst.  Hither  !  I  glow  and  quiver  !  I  am  thy  stag,  thy  fattest 
of  bucks,  lord  of  the  forest.  Let  the  skies  shower 
truffles,  radishes,  and  fenneL  and  let  me  feed  upon 
them,  but  drink  of  love  only  Ì     Are  we  alone,  sweet  ? 


FALSTAFF 

Mrs.  Ford  No;  Meg,  through  the  forest  tripping,  is  near  at 
hand. 

Falst.  a  twofold  love-adventure.  Let  her  come,  too!  Now 
quarter  me;  yes,  like  a  roasted  roebuck,  now  carve  me! 
For  all  my  pains  I  am  rewarded,  I  love  thee,  love  thee. 

Mrs.  Pagb     (from  within) 

Help,  help!  here  come  the  witches! 

Mrs.  Ford     (feigning  terror) 

An  outcry  !     Alas  !     Flee  from  them. 

Falst.     (alarmed) 
Whither? 

Mrs.  Ford     Kind  Heav'n,  forgive  my  sore  offending      (exit  hur- 
riedly R.) 

Falst.     (leaning  against  the  trunk  of  Heme's  Oak) 

Old  Nick  will  not  connive  at  my  damnation! 

Anne     (from  within) 

Woodnymphs,     dryads,     goblins,     fly-by-nights     and 
fairies! 
Here  ye  may  freely  practice,  in  joyous  medley, 
Tour  spells,  freaks,  and  vugaries. 

Falst.     Spirits  of  Darkness!  to  look  on  them  is  deadly! 

(lies  face  downwards  stretched  at  full  length  on  the  ground) 

Chorus  of  Women     (afar  off) 

Woodnymphs!     Dryads!     Fairies! 

(enter  Anne  as  the  fairy-queen,  followed  by  nine  white  and  nine  blue  fairies) 

(Enter  all  the  characters,  disguised,  and  twentyf  ur  fairies,  large  and  small,  who 
surr  und  Anne.    The  men  are  grouped  R.,  the  women  L.) 

Anne  From  secret  caves  and  bowers 

Emerge,  your  locks  entwining 
With  fronds  of  fern,  and  flowers 
While  yet  the  moon  is  s^-ining. 


Then  dance,  fays,  liglitly  and  featly, 
While  singing  your  elfish  rhymes,     • 

Words  that  are  wedded  sweetly 
To  tunes  of  olden  times. 

Chorus  of  Fairies 

The  forest  slumbers;  its  leafy  Ijoughs  their  shadows  spread, 
Dark  green  beneath  the  azu'-e  sky;   an  inland  sunk  in 
ocean's  bed. 

Annb  We  wander  in  the  moonlight,  and  cull  the  flow'rets  tender, 
Oping  their  folded  petals,  fragrant  perfumes  they  render. 
With  lilies,  violets,  roses, 

We  spell  our  words  of  power; 
Each  fairy  touch  discloses 

The  secret  of  some  flower. 
Delicate  revelations 

Such  as  the  rosebuds  tell, 
Serve  us  for  incantations 

Furnish  full  many  a  spell! 

Chorus  of  Fairies 

Now  stealthily  advancing,  let  us  at  once  repair 
To  the  gigantic  oak-tree,  the  Sable  Hunter's  lair! 

(All  the  fairicH,  and  their  Queen,  slowlv  approach  Heme's  Oak,  eingiiig) 

Anne     The  flow'rs  have  taught  us  many  a  spell! 

Bard,     (stumbles  against  Falstaff  and  signals  the  fairies  to  halt) 
Stay  awhile! 

PiST.     (advancing) 

Who  goes  there? 

Falst.     Good  lack. 

Quick,     (touching  Falstaff  with  her  broomstick) 
A  man  ! 

Thk  Four  Women  and  Chorus  of  Fairies 
A  man! 

Ford     Just  like  a  stag  he's  antlercd  ! 

PiST.     And  round  as  any  pumpkin! 

Bard.     As  Leviathan  monstrous!     (kicking   Falstaff)     Up   with 
thee!     Arise! 

Falst.     Unless  a  crane  you  bring  me,  I  cannot! 

Ford     He  is  too  hea\y! 

Quick.     He's  corrupt  I 


FALSTAFF 

Mrs.  Ford,  Mrs.  Pai;e  and  A^jhk 

And  impure! 
Chorus  <>f  Fairies 

He's  corrujit  and  impure! 
Bard,     (gesticulating  like  a  sorcerer) 

Straightway  I'll  exorcise  him! 
Mrs.  Ford     (to  Anne  while  Dr.  Caius  is  hunting  about  the  stage. 
Fenton  and  Dame  Quickly  stand  before  Anne  and 
conceal  her) 

Danger  is  nigh;  evade  it.     Old  Dr.  Caius  now  seeks  thee. 

Anne     We'll  find  some  place  of  safety. 

(retires  up  stage  with  Fenton,  guarded  l)y  Mrs.  Ford  and  Dame  Quickly) 

Quick.     And  swift  return  when  I  shall  call  upon  ye! 

(Anne,  Fenton,  Dame  Quickly  disappear  among  foliage) 

Bard,     (continuing  his  incantation) 

Evil  spirits!     Grim  goblins!     Dusky  night-moths!    Dark 


vampires 


Poison-fraught  offspring  of  the  marshes  infernali 
You  may  rightfully 
Torment  hiui  frightfully 
And  scratch  him  spitefully! 
With  steely  talons! 
Falst.     a  foul-scented  wizard!     No  polecat  more  pestilent! 

(Enter  C.  boys  disguised  as  imps,  and  attack  Fals'aff:  ouier  goblins  and  demons 
appear  from  ditferent  entrances,  striking  tambourines  and  triangles;  many  of 
them  carry  small  red  lamps) 

Chorus  of  Spirits  and  Imps  (rolling  Falstaff  over  and  over,  up 
and  down  stage) 

Rumble  him!     Tumble  him! 

(the  fairies  pinch  his  arms  and  cheeks  and  flog  him  with  nettle») 

Mrs.  Ford,  Mrs.  Page  and  Anne 

Pinching  him, 

Twitching  him, 

Wrenching  him, 

Clenching  him, 
Tweek  him  and  shake  him 
Till  bellow  you  make  him! 

(the  little  fairies  dance  round  him,  some  capering  and  stamping  on  his  back) 

Falst.     (vainly  struggling  to  defend  himself) 
Oh!     Oh! 

Chorus  op  Fairies     (beating  tambourines,  drums,  etc.) 

Now  practice,  your  thumbs  on  him, 

And  beat  fairy  drums  on  him  ! 

Then  tear  him  and  tatter  liim, 

And  soil  and  bespatter  him! 
Let's  prick  him  with  bulrushes,  keen  pointed  as  lances, 
And  on  his  huge  abdomen  perform  all  our  dances! 
Mosquitoes  and  midges  fresh  torments  shall  bring  him! 
And    sound    their   shrill   trumpets,  and  fret  him,  and  sting 
him! 

(the  turmoil  ceases) 


Ì5ALSTAFF 

Mks.  Page,  Mrs.  Fokd  and  Qui»  k.     Pinching  him. 

Twitching  him. 
Wrenching  him, 
Clenching  him, 
Tweak  him  and  shake  him  ! 
Till  bellow  you  make  him  \ 
Falst.     Oh  !  Oh  ! 

Mes.  Page,  Mrs.  Ford,  Quick,  and  Chorus  of  Fairies 
Scrape  him  and  scrub  at  him, 

Rub  off  the  rust  of  him  ! 
Hammer  and  dub  at  him  ! 
CooJ  the  hot  lust  of  him  ! 
Pricking  him. 

Nicking  him, 
Wrenching  him, 
Clencliing  him, 
Pinching  him. 

Twitching  him, 
Tweaking  him. 
Shaking  him  ! 
Chorus  op  Spirits  and  Imps 

And  fret  him,  and  sting  him  I 

Ford  and  Caius  Vile  dog  ! 

Bard,  and  Pist.  -          Poltroon  ! 

Ford  and  Caius  Huge  hog 

Bard  and  Pist.  Obese 

Ford  and  Caius  Thy  sins 

Bard,  a^^f?  Pist.  Confess 

All  (together)  Upon  thy  knees  ! 

Ford  Carcase  all  stuffed  out  ! 

Mrs.  Ford  Features  all  puffed  out  ! 

Bard.  Crusher  of  bed-gear  ! 

Quicxi.  Rumpler  of  head-gear  ! 

Pist.  Deepest  of  drinkers  ! 

Mrs.  Page  Meanest  of  slinkers  ! 

Caius  Robber  and  brawler  ! 

Ford  Tripple-chinn'd  crawler  ! 
All     Say,  dost  repent  thee  ? 

(Bardolph  strikes  Falstaff  with  Dame  Quickly's  broomstick) 

Falst.     Alas  !  I  repent  me  ! 
Ford,  Caius,  Bard,  and  Pist. 

Reptile  pernicious, 
Faithless  and  vicious  ! 
Repent  ! 
Falst.  Content  ! 

Bard,     (putting  his  face  close  to  Falstaff' s) 

Reform  thy  conduct  flighty: 
Falst.  Tliou   reek'st  of  aqua  vitae  ! 


FALSTAFF 

Mrs.  Ford,  Mrs.  Page  and  Quick. 

Heaven  vouchsafe  to  chasten  him 

Or  to  perdition  hasten  him  ! 
D3eply  humiliate  him! 
Heavily  castigate  him.  ! 
Falst.     But  save  his  soul,  kind  Heaven  ! 
Ford,  Caius,  Ba.rd.  «wf^PisT. 

Carcase  all  stuffed  out...  (etc.  ut  supra) 

Chorus  of  Spirits  and  Imps     Pinching  him...  (etc.  ut  supra) 

Caius,  Bard.,  Ford  and  Pist. 

Mass  of  impurity  ! 
What  say'st  thou  ? 
Falst.     It  is  well  ! 
Caius,  Bard.,  Ford  and  Pist. 

Lump  of  obesity  ! 
What  say  est  thou  ? 
Falst.     It  is  well  ! 
Caius,  Bard.,  Fokd  and  Pist. 

Hogshead  of  Malvoisie  ! 
What  say'st  thou  ! 
Falst.     Let  it  be  so  ! 
Bard.  Bloated  offender  ! 

Shameless  pretender  • 
Falst.     Away  !  thou  reekest  ! 
Caius,  Bard.,  Ford  and  Pist. 

Lying  traducer  ! 
Futile  seducer  ! 
Falst.     Why,  then,  so  bo  it  ! 
Baud,  (vehemently)         The  devil  will  tate  him, 

And  shake  kim, 
And  bake  him  !        (in   his   excitement   he 
throws  off  his  cowl) 
Falst.     (rising) 

Hades  !  Krebus  !  Acheron  !  'Tis  the  pestilent  Bardolph  I 
(threatening  Bardol])h,  who  retreats  belore  him) 
Nose  all  vermilion. 
Shaped  like  a  pillion  ! 
Snuffler  vociferous  ! 
Rushlight  pestiferous  ! 

Salamander  ! 
Ignis  fatuus  ! 

Ruffianly  pander  ! 
Miserable  gander! 

Thou  thing  of  fustian 
In  slow  combustion  ! 

Vampire,  thief,  and  traitor  ! 
Purple-snouted  alligatci  ! 
Dixisti!  If  I  have  wronged  him,  may   ev'ry  unjust  word 
rise  up  against  me  ! 
All     (together)         Bravo  ! 


FALSTAFF 

Falst.     Some  respite,  I  ]>4-ay  ye  !  I  am  weary  ! 

Quick,     (to  Bardopli   aside,  with  whom  she   di.sappears   behind 
the  trees) 
Come,  with  the  head-dross  white  I'll  now  disguise  thee. 

FoBD     And  now,  while  your  composure  you  recover,  Sir  John, 
tell  me  which  of  us  wears  the  horns  ? 

Mrs.  Ford  and  Mrs.  Page     (to  Falstaff  ironically) 
Perpend  ! 

Mrs.  f  ord     (unmasking) 

With  dumbness  are  you  stricken  ? 

Falst.     (holding  out  a  hand  to  Ford) 

Dear  Master  Brook,  jtray  hear  me  !...     (re-enter   Dame 
Quickly) 

Mrs.  Ford     (interrupting) 

In   error   yon   address   him.      This   is    Ford,    my   good 
husband. 

Quick,     (as  before) 

Sir,  fair  greeting  ! 

Falst.     Worthy  woman  ! 

Quick.    Could  you  fancy  two  v\H)inen  so  benighted  and  demented 
that  they,  body  and  soul,  should  risk  perdition 
For  an  old  greybeard,  bald  about  the  noddle, 
So  fat  that  he  can  scarcely  manage  to  waddle  ? 

Ford       Plainly  spoken  ! 

Falst.     I  begin  to  perceive,  alas  !    that   Pve  made  a  great  ass  of 
myself  ! 

Mrs.  Ford     A  scapegoat  ! 

Ford       A  bugbear,  a  monster  rare  !     (All  laugh,  and  repeat  the 
epithets) 

Falst.  I  observe  that  all  sorts  of  vulgar  rabble 

At  my  mishaps  are  coarsely  jesting 

"Vainly  I  seek — except  of  my  suggestion — 
A  single  spark  of  humor  in  their  babble  !    . 

'Tis  I,  'tis  I  alone,  more  is  the  pity  ! 

Whose  wits  supply  ye  the  wherewithal  to  be  witty! 

Ford  By  the  gods  !    Had'st  thou  been  less  lighthearted,  I 

had  slain  thee  ! 

Now  hearken  !  Give  ear,  I  pray,  to  ray  pro- 
posal. Let  us  all  conclude  this  gay  nocturnal 
frolic  with  the  betrothal  of  the  fair  Queen  ot" 
all  the  Fairies  1 


i 


FALSTAI-F 

(Dr.  Caius  and  Bardolph,  the  latter  dressed  as  Queen  of  the  Fairies,  adeance  hand-in 
nana,  Dr.  Caius  in  mask) 

Ford     Here's  a  couple  made  one  by  true  affection 

ObserYe  them  !  white  as  snow  her  bridal  dress  is, 
A  wreath  of  rosebuds  decks  her  flowing  tresses  ; 

Wealthy  and  wise  her  consort  ;  he's  of  my  selection  ! 
Gather  round  them,  fairies  ! 

(Dr.  Cains  and  Bardolph  stand  forward  C— the  fairies  surround  them) 
(Mrs.  Ford  leads  forward  Anne  and  Fenton,  the  former  enveloped  in  blue  drapery, 
the  latter  hooded  and  masked) 

Mrs.  Ford     This  rash  young  couple  advances  with  compunction 

(to  Ford)       Craving  your  kindly  sanction  of  its  conjunction 
connubial. 

Ford  So  be  it  !  and  may  their  yoke  delight  them  ! 

(The  sprites,  led  bj-  Mrs.  Ford,  approach  Dr.  Caius  and  Bardolph— a  tii  y  elf,  carried 
by  Mrs.  Ford,  raises  his  Isntern  to  the  level  of  Bardolph's  face.  Anne  and  Fenton 
holding  hands,  stand  somewhat  apart  from  the  central  group) 

Bring  hither  all  the    tapers  !    Kind    Heav'n,    unite 
them  !  Cast  away  your  disguises  !  Apotheosis  ! 

(At  Ford's  command.  Dr.  Caius  and  Fenton  rapidly  unmask,  Anne  unveils,  and 
Dame  Quickly,  standing  behind  Bardolph,  plucks  the  veil  from  his  head.  All 
remain  with  uncovered  faces) 

All  (together)     Ha  1  ha  !  ha  !  ha  ! 

Caius  (amazed,  recognizing  Bardolph) 

Confusion  !  I  am  married  to  Bardolph  !  Confusion  1 

Ford  (amazed)     Consternation  !  my  daughter  with  Fenton  ! 

Falst.  and  Chorus     Apotheosis  !  Stupendous  ! 

Mrs.  Ford,  Mrs.  Page  and  Quick. 

Ha  !  ha  I  We  triumph  !  Stupendous  ! 

Ford  (still  stupefied  by  amazement) 

What  strange  surprises  ! 

Mrs.  Ford  (to  Ford)     We  often  fall  into  the  net  that's  woven  by 
our  own  ingenious  cunning. 


FALSTAFF 

Falst.     (approaching  Ford  with  an  ironical  bow) 

Dearly  beloved  Ford  !  Which  of  us  is  the  dupe  ? 

Ford  (pointing  to  Dr.  Caius)     He  ! 

Caius  (to  Ford)     Thou  ! 

Ford     No  ! 

Caius    Yes  !  '        I 

Bard,  (to  Ford  and  Dr.  Caius)     Ye  ! 

Fent.  (to  Ford  and  Dr.  Caius)     They  ! 

Caius  (standing  by  Ford)     We  ! 

Falst.     Ye  two,  surely  ! 

Mrs.  Ford  (placing  Falstaff  by  Ford  and  Dr.  Caius) 

No  !  all  ye  three  !  (to  Ford) 

Look  at  these  children  (pointing  to  Anne  and  Fenton) 
and  grant  them  your  pardon  ! 

Anne  (to  Ford,  folding  her  hands) 

Dearest  father,  forgive  us  ! 

Ford     He  who  cannot  avert  his  own  defeating 

Should  gaily  take  his  beating, 
(embracing  Anne  and  Fenton) 

Thus  in  my  arras  I  press  you. 

Thus  forgive  you,  and  bless  you  ! 

Falst.  One  rousing  lay,  to  end  our  frolic  ! 

Ford        Then  with  John  Falstaff  we'll  carouse  and  rollick  ! 

All  (together)     Stupendous  !  Stupendous  ! 

FINALE. 
(All  characters  and  Choras) 

Jesting  is  man's  vocation  ; 

Wise  is  he  who  is  jolly, 
Ready  to  laugh  upon  slight  provocation, 

Proof  against  dull  melancholy. 
Each  man  makes  fun  of  his  neighbour 

The  merry  world  around  : — 
Solace  for  pain  and  for  labour 

In  gay  laughter  is  found  ! 

CURTAIN. 


Just  Issued 

IE  MODERN  BARITONE  OPERATIC  ALBUM 

(With  the  Original  and  English  Texts) 
Containing  Thirty  Arias  from  Famous  Modem  Operas,  as  follows: 

tallo  in  Maschera,  Un  Alla  vita  che  t'arride  (Brightest  hope  and  fairest  pleasure) 

"       "  "  "  Eri  tu  che  macchiavi  (It  was  thou  the  destroyer) 

larbiere  di  Siviglia,  Il  Largo  al  factotum  (Hey,  for  the  town's  factotum  so  rare) 

)on  Carlos  Ella  giammai  m'amò  (No  !  she  has  never  loy'd  me) 

"         "       Per  me  giunto  è  il  dì  supremo  ('Tis  that  day  I  so  long  awaited) 

)on  Giovanni   Deh,  vieni  alla  finestra  (Come,  open  wide  your  window) 

)ue  Foscari,  I  Questa  dunque  è  l'iniqua  mercede  (So  my  valor  and  my  victories 

are  crowned) 

ìrnani    Oh,  de'  verd'  anni  miei  (Fair  hours  of  youth  and  pleasure) 

'alstaflf    Quand'  ero  paggio  (When  I  was  page) 

'igliuol  Prodigo,  Il   . .  Raccogli  e  calma  (Calmly,  serenely) 

"orza  del  Destino,  La  Son  Pereda,  son  ricco  d'onore  (I,  Pereda,  for  honor  am  fated) 

"         "         "  "  Urna  fatale  del  mio  destino  (III  omen'd  coffer  that  holds  my  secret) 

ìermania    Ferito,  prigionier  (I'm  prisoner  and  wounded) 

"  Ascolta  !  ...  Io  morirò  (Oh  !  hear  me  !..  .  Now  I  must  die  !) 

jianni  Schicchi  Ah!  che  zucconi!  (Oh!  foolish  blockheads!) 

Gioconda,  La   O  monumento  !  (O  mighty  monument  !) 

"  "    Pescator,  affonda  l'esca  (Fisherman,  thy  bait  now  lower) 

rlacbeth    Pietà,  rispetto,  amore  (Compassion,  love  and  kindness) 

Nerone  Vivete  in  pace  (Abide  in  peace) 

"        Laggiù  fra  i  giunchi  di  Genesareth  (Behold  the  marshes  of 

Genesareth) 

)tello     Credo  (Credo) 

"        Era  la  notte  (I  lay  with  Cassio) 

(igoletto   Pari  siamo  (Ours  are  like  gifts) 

"  Cortigiani,  vii  razza  dannata  (Hated  courtiers,  accursed,  detested) 

limon  Boccanegra 11  lacerato  spirito  (The  broken  spirit) 

fabarro,  II   Nulla  !  Silenzio  !  (No  one  !  All  is  silent  !) 

rannhauser  Wie  Todesahnung  (Like  death's  grim  shadow) 

["osca    Se  la  giurata  fede  (No,  if  my  plighted  fealty) 

Praviata,  La Di  Provenza  il  mar  e  il  suol  (Who  has  banished  from  your  heart) 

frovatore,  II   II  balen  del  suo  soriso  (Ah  !  could  I  behold  those  glances) 

Clearly  printed  in  the  original  keys  from  engraved  plates  and 
strongly  bound  in  Green  Linen  Cloth  with  Gilt  Lettering 

a  RICORDI  &  CO*  Inc. 

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